Chrysler debuts diesel-electric hybrid Jeep concept car with 400 mile range at 110 miles per gallon

In Michigan, Chrysler unveiled a hybrid diesel-electric Jeep Renegade dune buggy, one of three alternative-fuel concept cars it presented at the International Auto Show. The Jeep can travel 40 miles on its lithium battery before switching to a cleantech diesel engine that can extend range to 400 miles and achieve 110 mpg. Chrysler also debuted a Dodge Zeo electric sports car with a range of 250 miles, and a Chrysler ecoVoyager powered by a plug-in battery and hydrogen fuel cells that has a total range of 300 miles with water vapor as the only emission.

Also at the Auto Show, Ferrari said that it has developed an E85 capability for its F430 Spider, and demonstrated the car at the Auto Show. The car maker has set a goal of cutting its average emissions by 40 percent by 2012.

Meanwhile, Chrysler has been quietly stepping up its efforts on biofuels, primarily on the biodiesel side. The company recently partnered with the National Biodiesel Board to develop a new national fuel standard for B20.The existing biodiesel standard is based on B100. Chrysler currently authorizes B5 in its vehicles or B20 for fleet customers who follow specifications for fuel quality.

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