Chrysler brings its sexy first EV concept to CES 2022, but is it too late?

Chrysler brings its sexy kickoff EV concept to CES 2022, simply is it too late?

Front view of the Chrysler Airflow concept

(Image credit: Chrysler)

Aging auto manufacturer Chrysler is fix to bring together other US automobile competitors in the all-electric vehicle game, proving information technology this calendar week at CES 2022 with the unveiling of the sleek, white Airflow Concept.

This isn't just a splashy concept designed to influence futurity models. For Chrysler, which is at present role of Stellantis (a 2021 merger of Fiat and Peugeot), it's an EV flag in the ground.

Chrysler said information technology plans to deliver its first all-electric machine to market past 2025 and to move the entirety of the Chrysler lineup to electric by 2028. If that's the example, Chrysler fans can expect forward to some exciting technologies.

Even though the Airflow doesn't break any new ground in terms of overall look (it's not CyberTruck wild, for instance), it is packed with about of the features, performance, and intelligence you lot'd hope for in a adjacent-gen EV.

Angled rear view of the Chrysler Airflow concept — (Image credit: Chrysler)

The all-wheel-drive Airflow Concept is powered past ii 150 kW batteries positioned at the front and back of the car. They support fast charging and give the car a range of between 350 and 400 miles.

That'south adequate, though certainly non the kind of limit-pushing numbers you'd await from a concept machine. Sadly, no word on its 0-to-60 mph capabilities.

Information technology has a wide wheelbase, low profile (helps with aerodynamics and EV range), and 22-inch wheels. The chassis is festooned with animated LED lights that scream, "I'm smart and I'chiliad electric!" The design besides features a panoramic roof, that's de ri·gueur for modern electric vehicles.

The full dash of the Chrysler Airflow concept — (Paradigm credit: Chrysler)

Smarts and screens

Chrysler is packing a lot of smarts and customizability into the Airflow Concept. Within what it calls the STL Smart Cockpit is sparse, pedestal-way seating, and an unusually-shaped steering cycle that sits beside a much larger control screen.

Abreast that is yet another screen for your passenger. The system is powered past Chryslers' new AI-powered STLA Brain. Chrysler promises that this system will assistance extend your digital life from exterior the auto to in information technology. Screens, infotainment, and fifty-fifty lighting colors will be adapted to the passenger's preferences and tastes.

More importantly, though, the new STLA AutoDrive will support Level 3 autonomous driving.

View from above of the Chrysler Airflow concept — (Paradigm credit: Chrysler)

All the STLA systems will accept over-the-air updates, pregnant autonomous driving could level upward and in-car experiences could modify over fourth dimension with new features and capabilities.

It all sounds and looks heady but information technology'southward also nil we can't already discover in, say, a Tesla Model 3 or the promises of competitors like GM, Ford, and BMW.

Close up of rotary dial with a crystalized texture — (Epitome credit: Chrysler)

For Chrysler, like every other traditional car company, information technology's a mad scramble to get off fossil fuels and excite customers nigh an EV future with them.

Chrysler'due south sales, like those of GM, fell in 2020 and 2021 (blame chip shortages), while Tesla'southward grew.

Are the Airflow and a more than aggressive plan to move to EV before the end of this decade the keys to regaining lost market share and sustaining well into this century? That's anyone'due south guess but the Chrysler Airflow Concept sure is nice to look at.

Check out all of TechRadar's CES 2022 coverage . We're bringing you all the breaking tech news and launches, everything from 8K TVs and foldable displays to new phones, laptops and smart home gadgets.

A 35-yr manufacture veteran and award-winning journalist, Lance has covered applied science since PCs were the size of suitcases and "on line" meant "waiting." He's a sometime Lifewire Editor-in-Main, Mashable Editor-in-Chief, and, earlier that, Editor in Primary of PCMag.com and Senior Vice President of Content for Ziff Davis, Inc. He likewise wrote a popular, weekly tech cavalcade for Medium called The Upgrade.

Lance makes frequent appearances on national, international, and local news programs including Live with Kelly and Ryan, Play tricks News, Fox Business, the Today Prove, Expert Morning America, CNBC, CNN, and the BBC.