Fiat and Chrysler Say That Hybrids and EVs Are Too Expensive for Market

FiatFiatItaly, 1899 > present159 models
4864 photos
35 videos
and ChryslerChryslerUnited States of America, 1925 > present70 models
873 photos
1 video
say that they are not currently working on any hybrid or EV models because they consider the technology too expensive and without enough benefits for the current market. They do not believe that their customers are interested in paying for the extra cost associated with electrified cars.

Instead, Chrysler intends to market more diesel models in North America, and Fiat will invest more in small, turbocharged petrol engines. 

"Many customers want to reduce CO2, but they aren't willing to change their lifestyle or pay the cost -- yet," said Bob Lee, head of powertrains for Chrysler and Fiat.

He does not believe that the technology will be cost effective enough for consumers for another 10 years. For the time being diesel engines are a better alternative because they can offer similar fuel economy as a gasoline-fueled hybrid at a lower cost.

Chrysler's first new diesel engine is the 3.0-liter V6 that will be available in the Jeep Grand CherokeeJeep Grand Cherokee 3.0 E...United States of America, 2013 > 20003 photos
this fall. Other tunes of the engine will be offered in the Ram ProMaster commerical van and Ram 1500Ram Trucks 1500 Gen.1 [DS/DJ]United States of America, 2009 > present37 versions
50 photos
pickup truck.

The only current Chrysler or Fiat EV is the Fiat 500eFiat 500eItaly, 2013 > present2 photos
that is only sold in California. However, that was only done because of a mandate from California that forced automakers above a certain size to offer an EV.

Source: Automotive News Europe