We’re still a few years out from Chrysler’s first electric vehicle, but the American brand has given us another look at what it may look like.
The Chrysler Airflow Graphite concept is a follow-up to the Airflow concept revealed at January’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.
Revealed at the New York motor show, the Airflow Graphite eschews the previous concept’s Arctic White exterior for a Galaxy Black finish with Cyprus Copper accents, including on the 22-inch alloy wheels.
Instead of the January concept’s light-coloured interior, there’s a darker palette used inside albeit with Ice Grey and Cyprus Copper accents for contrast.
While Chrysler hasn’t specifically said the Airflow will reach production, the electric crossover appears virtually production-ready.
Chrysler has said it’ll introduce its first EV in 2025, and will offer an all-EV line-up by 2028. That makes it the first of Stellantis’ American brands to commit to phasing out combustion power by a particular date.
The brand hasn’t revealed any more technical details of note since the Airflow’s initial January reveal.
Riding on a dedicated EV platform, the Airflow concept has a 150kW motor located on each axle. No details about the battery pack have been revealed, but Chrysler claims the Airflow will have a range of between 560km and 645km.
Stellantis has previously confirmed EVs on its STLA Large architecture will offer 400V or 800V technology and batteries measuring 101-118kWh.
The Airflow concept also serves as a rolling showcase of the automaker’s technology platforms, and is said to feature a Level 3 autonomous driving system.
Inside the cabin there are touchscreens accessible to each outboard passenger. With standard internet connectivity, each display is said to deliver a personalised experience that extends home and work accounts into the vehicle.
Over-the-air software updates are, naturally, part of the package.
Stellantis has confirmed the STLA Large architecture will underpin a range of vehicles across its American brands, including an electric muscle car for Dodge and a “whitespace” off-roader for Jeep.
MORE: Stellantis details upcoming electric Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram vehicles
January’s Airflow concept
Surprisingly for an American brand in 2022, Chrysler doesn’t currently offer any crossovers. Its line-up consists solely of the moribund 300 sedan, as well as the Pacifica people mover – the latter also available in more affordable Voyager or Grand Caravan variants, depending on the market.
The Pacifica is available with a plug-in hybrid V6 powertrain.
Chrysler has only ever offered one crossover: the 2004-08 Pacifica, a three-row rival for the likes of the Toyota Highlander (Kluger). It was never offered here.
first-generation Pacifica 
second-generation Pacifica
Sales trailed off during its run, and both it and the body-on-frame Aspen SUV – Chrysler’s only BOF SUV – were discontinued shortly after Cerberus (briefly) acquired Chrysler.
With the discontinuation of the 300 late last year, the Chrysler brand has once again been withdrawn from Australia. The current Pacifica people mover has never been offered in right-hand drive, despite its Voyager/Town & Country predecessor having been sold here for many years.
Should the Airflow concept go into production and retain its current name, it will revive a badge that went out of production in 1937.
Made for just three short years, the Airflow was a commercial failure, but is now regarded as a design and engineering icon.
The original Airflow broke new ground with its monocoque construction, and wind tunnel-optimised body. Its unusual-for-the-time proportions allowed passengers to sit comfortably within the car’s wheelbase, and meant the engine could be placed near the front axle.
MORE: Which brands are going fully electric and by when?
MORE: Chrysler brand leaving Australia
