NAIAS – Dodge Circuit EV Concept
January 12, 2009 by Matt Brogan
The Dodge Circuit EV, with its bold exterior and interior styling and outstanding electric-only performance, screams pure sports car from every angle.
Said to demonstrate the perfect proportions for balanced handling, placing the driver and passenger midway along the wheelbase, the Viper-esque Circuit EV features the distinctive Dodge crosshair grille, long and low bonnet and shallow windscreen.
The body sides feature a deep scallop, providing visual depth and also a functional rear-brake air duct. At the rear, the functional elements blend with design to create a uniform finish.
“The exterior styling of the Dodge Circuit EV mates bold Dodge styling to the no-compromise performance attributes of an all-electric performance sports car,” said Ralph Gilles, Vice President – Design, Chrysler LLC. “The Dodge Circuit EV offers an extremely fun-to-drive, expressive sports car without fuel consumption and with virtually no impact on the environment.”
The Dodge Circuit EV is adorned in all-new Tangoreen exterior color, wearing large EV graphics on both sides of the sports car.
The uncomplicated interior of the Dodge Circuit EV delivers a combination of pure function and athletic refinement. The cockpit design puts complete control of the car at the driver’s fingertips.
Nestled within a leather-covered instrument cluster are two primary analog-face gauges. A digital display conveys information regarding the electric-drive system.
The seats feature deep bolsters and are covered in premium leather. The same premium leather covers the center console and the width of the instrument panel.
The Dodge Circuit EV delivers all of the convenience features of a performance sports car, including premium sound system, power windows and door locks, air conditioning, speed control.
Propelled by a completely electric ENVI drivetrain, the Dodge Circuit EV posts impressive performance numbers including 0-100km/h times of less than 5 seconds, 0-400m runs just over 13 seconds and a top speed in excess of 193km/h.
Perhaps the most impressive Dodge Circuit EV number, however, is zero. That’s how much petrol the vehicle consumes while providing exhilarating sports car performance. It’s also how many exhaust fumes are produced.
The Dodge Circuit EV utilises just three powertrain components. These include a 200 kW electric motor to drive the wheels, an advanced lithium-ion battery system to power the electric-drive motor, and a controller that manages energy flow.
Working with the latest advanced lithium-ion battery technology, the Dodge Circuit EV has a driving range of up to 320km between charges and is recharged via a simple one-step process that involves plugging the car into a standard household outlet.
Print it: 
Now we are talking. Put it in a car yard, I will part with the cash and take it home.
Just look at the bonnet, headlight and grill and tell me it doesn’t look like a Lotus? It’s even the right colour.
Good to see more companies with alternative fuels.
It is a Lotus Europa. I believe Lotus was contracted to build these cars for Dodge.
Top stuff thats just what we wont electric car with a good range before going flat and just plug it in at home.This is the way to go forget about hybrids. Cheaper to leave petrol motor out now if thay can just start making them as sedans and affordable ill be getting one for sure.Thay should be cheaper than hybrids cause thay leaving petrol engine out should thay not
I want one. I am not normally even remotely interested in hybrids, but this gets the blood going. I just hope dodge has the cahones to go thru with this.