Chrysler Pacifica EV possible in the next generation – Report [Update]

Update: ‘Chrysler Pacifica EV design’ section added.

In 2016, the Chrysler Pacifica debuted as America’s first minivan with an electrified powertrain featuring a plug-in hybrid. Chrysler announced this year that it is committed to launching its first battery-electric vehicle (BEV) by 2025 and will switch to a full battery-electric portfolio by 2028. The next-generation minivan, including a Chrysler Pacifica EV, should keep it at the forefront of new powertrain technologies.

Speaking to MotorTrend from CES 2022, Chrysler CEO Chris Feuell indicated that the brand’s future vehicle line-up would include an electric minivan. She told Freep that Chrysler is not abandoning the minivan segment. The Toyota Sienna is the best-seller in this category in the U.S. (2021: 107,990 units), but the Pacifica has fared well, registering 98,323 units, with the hybrid variant enjoying a record year in 2021. Considering that, along with the fact that a significant amount of resources have gone into making it well-known over the years, there is a definite business case for a second-gen model as an EV.

Chrysler Pacifica EV & PHEV versions

The STLA Large platform would be a suitable choice for Chrysler given the segments it is designed for, and its range capability. Image: Stellantis

The next-gen Chrysler Pacifica could come in plug-in hybrid electric and pure electric variants to address the needs of all customers. Underpinning the Chrysler Pacifica EV could be the STLA Large platform that is designed for the American market. EVs based on this platform will get 101-118 kWh battery packs that provide a range of up to 800 km (497 miles). For a big and family-oriented model like the American minivan, 300-350 miles of range could be the internal target. STLA Large-based EVs will get 150-330 kW (201-442 hp) motors. The Pacifica EV may come with powerful units that provide at least 200-225 kW (268-302 hp) individually (2WD) or combined (AWD), depending on the configuration.

Chrysler Pacifica EV design

TopElectricSUV.com’s rendering previews the Chrysler Pacifica EV with elements borrowed from the Airflow concept. This image is for representation and isn’t indicative of the actual product.

The Chrysler Pacifica EV may maintain the proper minivan silhouette that makes it immediately recognizable. However, certain details would have to be modernized to give it a futuristic appeal people generally associate with EVs. With that in mind, our rendering adds slimmer and more advanced headlights, a light blade with an LED-illuminated Chrysler wing logo in-between, special wheels, a shut-off upper grille, and flush door handles to the current recipe.

Some of the design features are downloaded from the Chrysler Airflow Concept. Stellantis has confirmed there’s no plan to make a production version of the Airflow, but it would use the concept’s individual aspects, including design, in future Chrysler models.

Competitors & Release Date

In what will undoubtedly be a power-packed match for the Pacifica EV, South Korean media have reported that a Kia Carnival EV is in the works. And Volkswagen is introducing the ID. Buzz electric van in the U.S. in 2024 with regional adaptations, which is another pure electric MPV to watch out for. That said, the Chrysler Pacifica EV may not break cover anytime before mid-decade. We’ll update this story as and when new information emerges.

Featured Image Source: Stellantis

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