The Jeep EV works in a way that's similar to the GM's Volt. It can travel up to 40 miles on a fully charged battery before an on-board gasoline engine will turn on to generate more electricity for further driving.
The big difference is that GM designed the entire Volt around its electric drive system. It's lightweight and extremely aerodynamic to put as little strain as possible on the electric drive system. The Jeep EV, and an extended range electric Chrysler minivan the company has also shown off, weren't designed from the wheels up as electric vehicles. Instead, the vehicle''s electric drive system is stronger and more robust to carry the extra weight of a vehicle that wasn't really designed around electric drive.
The benefit for Chrysler - and, potentially, consumer - is lower cost. This system will allow Chrysler to more easily make electric vehicles because it will also be making non-electric versions of those same vehicles.
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