Chrysler Halcyon: A look at Chrysler’s electric future

The American car manufacturer Chrysler, a brand from the Stellantis Group, has announced that its next model will be an electric crossover, according to rumors in the summer of 2023. Now it is clear that the manufacturer is taking real steps towards this. E-mobility works. The Halcyon concept presents itself as a vision of the company’s future. Name “Halcyon” comes from the peaceful “halcyon days” from ancient Greece, which shows the smooth ride this car has to offer, as Chrysler says.

The Halcyon Concept is a four-door electric luxury coupe based on the large STLA platform from Stellantis. The Large STLA is designed and developed as an EV-oriented platform with a choice of 400 and 800 volt electrical architectures. The Large STLA architecture is capable of delivering particularly high performance: performance data in excess of 600 kW (816 hp) can be expected for models of on the platform. The first generation of car components is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in the 2-second range.

Since it is important to find the right balance between range and cost, the platform initially includes battery options with capacities between 85 and 118 kilowatt hours (kWh). Stellantis specifies a target charging performance of 4.5 kWh per minute – which, when added up, equates to a charging performance of 270 kW or the ability to charge 100 kilometers of power in about five minutes. A lithium-sulfur battery is said to be installed in the Chrysler Halcyon – more information about this is not yet available.

With air suspension, Halcyon’s ground clearance can be reduced to 10 cm, which, along with the extended rear spoiler, improves aerodynamics. A special feature is the gate-like doors, which do not require a B-pillar and can be opened upwards for easy access.

In the interior, Chrysler relies on the “Digital Detox” concept. The steering wheel and pedals can be folded to take advantage of the 4th degree of freedom of driving. In addition, the glass roof and windshield can be darkened to create a sense of calm. For active operation, the steering wheel can be expanded using voice commands. The 15.6-inch touchscreen provides flexibility and can be mounted on the center console if needed. The rear seats can be folded down to provide additional storage space, which is already limited by the coupe-like roofline.

While there is currently no electric Chrysler at all, the brand wants to go electric from 2028 onwards – that is, to restructure from combustion engines to electric drives within five years. The first electric car is scheduled to hit the road in 2025. Whether this is Halcyon remains in doubt. It looks too futuristic for that.

Which: Chrysler – Chrysler Halcyon Concept