(Tue 13 Jan 09)

Chrysler intends to have half a million electric vehicles on the road by 2013, and it has used the Detroit Show to display not only its three existing electric prototypes (at least one of which will go into production next year) but also a new concept.

It's called the 200C EV, and as its name suggests it is built on a shortened version of the platform used for the 300C. Unlike that car, though, it's powered by an electric motor which can run for 40 miles on electricity stored in the battery, while a small petrol engine acts as a generator and can extend the range to 400 miles.

One thing the 200C doesn't look like is what it is - a prototype of a possible future electric car. Instead it's one of the more elegant designs on display at Detroit, and show visitors will also note the amount of attention devoted to making the interior seem as luxurious as possible. The days of electric show cars being quaint little boxes attracting more amusement than interest are clearly gone for ever.

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