Chrysler Halcyon Concept EV

Chrysler will launch its first fully electric model in 2025 and aims to have an all-electric portfolio from 2028. As part of the Stellantis Group, it also supports the Stellantis Dare Forward 2030 plan to develop electrified and more efficient propulsion systems that will enable the Group to cut its global carbon footprint by 50% by 2030 and reach net carbon zero by 2038.

There must be many projects underway and to show what the design direction will be like, the company has unveiled its Halcyon Concept car. It’s the latest in a steady progression of futuristic concepts representing the brand’s electrification transformation. Previously, Chrysler revealed the Portal Concept (2017), Airflow Concept (2022) and Synthesis Cockpit Demonstrator (2023).

Built on STLA Large platform
The Halcyon Concept, designed on the Stellantis STLA Large platform, will offer a combination of seamless technology and battery-electric performance working in harmony with a pure, streamlined exterior design that ingeniously embeds aerodynamic elements.

Dramatic sculptural styling starts at the front of the futuristic 4-door Halcyon, with the body plunging to within 100 mm of the road. A subtle-yet-functional front air blade aerodynamic pass-through area enhances performance and all-important range. The pass-through is visible from the cockpit, providing the driver a real-world connection with the concept’s performance and functionality.

The thin, clean, cross-car front LED headlamp is adaptive and cantered by a new LED-lit Chrysler wing logo, first debuted on the Airflow Concept. Front air curtains are designed to direct airflow for aerodynamic performance. The windscreen extends out to the edges of the front end, elongating the cockpit to create a wide, sweeping view that connects the driver to the road.

A distinctive vehicle character line travels around the concept, grounding the vehicle and protecting the purity of the proportions. Thin, blade-like side mirrors house cameras for a slimmer aero profile, and autonomous entry into the concept eliminates the need for door handles, both features enhance the concept’s aerodynamic efficiency while staying true to the vehicle’s pure, minimalist design.

Active Aero Technology
The concept’s Active Aero Technology incorporates a sliding rear lower aero diffuser created from lightweight composite material, a rear spoiler and air suspension to enhance efficiency and driving dynamics. The concept’s undercarriage is designed to incorporate emerging inductive charging technology, with sensors integrated in the vehicle communicating with sensors under the road to charge the battery and provide unlimited range.

A warm acrylic-tinted butterfly-hinged canopy serves as a third door and works in symphony with the red-carpet-style side doors to offer spacious entry and exit. The flowing glass canopy integrates the exterior and interior and provides seamless views, with the expansive windscreen, canopy and rear hatch working together to provide an immersive experience.

The rear of the Halcyon Concept also carries its own unique silhouette, with a ‘water line’ that emphasizes the width and shoulders of the car, and the front’s cross-car read and LED-lit Chrysler wing logo are mirrored in the rear. A back camera serves as a futuristic rearview mirror, projecting the rearview to the console and/or cross-car screen located just above the footrest.

Sustainable and immersive interior
The interior is an immersive environment with an almost 360-degree range of view, possessing a duality that delivers a ‘digital detox’ cockpit through stress-free autonomous features. That autonomy is paired with the capability to take control and experience an engaged, dynamic driving environment that offers a direct connection with the road.

There is no traditional instrument panel, which allows the occupants to take advantage of a footrest that runs the width of the car to better relax and enjoy the view from the panoramic windscreen. Airbags are located around the cabin in a seamless creative solution, creating an open yet protected cabin.

The glass centre console design links the cabin spaces as it flows from the front to the rear in a modern architectural feel. Lighting plays a significant role within the cabin and is a focal point for the console with its clear acrylic design featuring textures and shapes that bend and diffuse the lighting.

Future flexible seating concept
An interesting idea is the way the rear seats retract into the boot enclosure. This is a potential next-generation vision of ‘Stow ‘n Go’ seating, first used in Chrysler minivans in 2005 and patented in 2013. The rear seats stow away either through biometric identification or voice command to open space for groceries, pet kennels and more.

The Halcyon Concept has a full suite of innovative technology from Stellantis, with complementary STLA Brain, STLA SmartCockpit and STLA AutoDrive technologies working together to enhance the vehicle user experience.

Constant charging from the road
The concept car also imagines a future that takes advantage of innovative Dynamic Wireless Power Transfer (DWPT) technology to wirelessly recharge electric vehicles traveling over specially equipped, dedicated road lanes. This will allow for unlimited range and travel from destinations, such as New York to Seattle, without need to stop and recharge along the way.

As for the energy storage, the concept envisions incorporating breakthrough Lyten 800V lithium-sulphur EV batteries that do not use nickel, cobalt or manganese. This means an estimated 60% lower carbon footprint than today’s best-in-class batteries and a pathway to achieve the lowest emissions EV battery on the global market.

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