So while all the world’s leading manufactures, and one bold independent start-up, are cracking their noggins to come out with a fully electric car that’s fun to drive, Dodge has announced that they are going to build a production version of their Dodge EV Concept by next year.

Now called the Dodge ENVI, this new concpet goes along the same lines as that previously mentioned bold independent start-up. That company is Tesla Motors and founder Elon Musk has been working the past couple of years to offer a re-bodied Lotus Elise with a full electric powertrain. Dodge claims it can do this idea, only much better.

Their Comcept ENVI is a re-bodied Lotus Europa. The Europa is a slightly bigger and more accomadating version of the diminutive Elise, though it’s still a small sports car. Power will come courtesy of a 268hp DC electric motor coupled to a lithium-ion battery pack.

Here’s where it gets good though, and slightly umbelivable. Dodge claims the ENVI will have a range of 150-200 miles on a single charge and do 0-60mph in under 5 seconds! Those are some seriously bold claims to make of a vehicle that is fully electric. Even more impressive is that Dodge claims it will be on sale sometime in 2010.

Bold claims indeed, but if they are telling the truth, this could be the car to save Chrysler LLC from impending doom. I might even consider one if the ENVI does reach production. Still, I remain skeptical. I’ll believe it when I see it…

Source: Road & Track

Photos: Marc Urbano for R&T