Otis Singleton
Chrysler is an American automobile manufacturer founded in 1925 by Walter Chrysler. The company has a long history of engineering innovations, financial highs and lows, mergers and acquisitions, and multinational expansion. In 1960, Chrysler introduced its new compact line, the Valiant, which was the first production automobile to use an alternator instead of an electrical generator. This alternator was supplied by Bendix Corporation, which also provided Chrysler with its Electrojector fuel injection system. While the Valiant was a success, Chrysler has also experienced setbacks and challenges throughout its history, including quality issues, economic downturns, and competition from foreign automakers. Today, Chrysler continues to operate as a division of Stellantis North America, and the company is working to develop new electric vehicle models to adapt to changing market demands.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Chrysler's electric vehicle history
The Chrysler Corporation was founded in 1925 by Walter Chrysler, who reorganized the ailing Maxwell Motor Company into the Chrysler Corporation. In 1924, Chrysler launched its first-ever car, the Chrysler 70, a 6-cylinder vehicle with advanced technology at an affordable price.
In 1957, Chrysler announced the first production electronic fuel injection (EFI) system, an option on some of its new 1958 car models. This system was supplied by the Bendix Corporation and was known as the "Electrojector". However, due to various issues, owners of EFI Chryslers were dissatisfied, and most vehicles were retrofitted with carburetors.
In the 1960s, Chrysler continued to innovate with the introduction of the Valiant compact car, which was the first vehicle to use an alternator instead of an electrical generator. This feature was added to all Chrysler products in 1961. During this decade, Chrysler also expanded into Europe and invested in the British Rootes Group.
In the 1970s, Chrysler, like many American automakers, faced challenges due to pollution regulations and a focus on fuel economy following the 1973 oil crisis. However, they also had successes, such as the introduction of the Chrysler Cordoba. In 1979, Chrysler cooperated with the United States Department of Energy to produce an experimental battery-electric vehicle, the Chrysler ETV-1.
In the 1990s, Chrysler continued to develop electric vehicles, releasing the Dodge EPIC concept minivan in 1992 and the limited-production electric minivan TEVan in 1993. In 2007, Chrysler established ENVI, an in-house organization focused on electric-drive vehicles and related technologies. However, it was disbanded by late 2009.
More recently, in 2024, Chrysler unveiled a concept for its first electric vehicle, the Chrysler Halcyon, a battery-electric sedan. The company plans to introduce a full lineup of innovative, seamlessly connected electric vehicles by 2028, starting with the Chrysler Airflow Concept, an intelligent battery-electric SUV.
Electric Grid Management: Complexities and Challenges
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Chrysler's use of alternators
Chrysler has a long history of engineering innovations, mergers and acquisitions, and multinationalization. The company was founded in 1925 by Walter Chrysler, and its history with alternators began in the 1960s.
The first alternators used on Chrysler products were made by a company called Essex. The Essex brand Chrysler alternator can be identified by the wide spacing of the fins on the front and rear frames, and the presence of the Essex symbol cast into both frames. Essex also produced the first mechanical voltage regulators for Chrysler, which also featured the Essex symbol. These were all single-field, "B" circuit alternators.
In 1963, Essex continued to manufacture alternators for Chrysler, adding more fins to the frames to increase strength. By 1964, Chrysler began manufacturing its own alternators, which resembled the Essex brand but no longer carried the Essex symbol. These were produced in 37, 46, and 60-amp versions and looked identical externally.
Chrysler alternators from the 1960s to the 1970s can be identified by their roundback or squareback housing styles. The roundback style was used through the 1969 model year, while the squareback style was introduced for the 1970 and 1971 model years.
In 1970, Chrysler transitioned to electronic voltage regulators, which brought about a change in wiring design. The single-field "B" circuit was replaced by the double-field "A" circuit, featuring two field terminals on the back of the alternator. This style of alternator remained in production through the 1971 model year.
For the 1972 model year, Chrysler redesigned the alternator, making significant changes to the rear frame. Instead of the can-type pressed-in diodes used previously, the new design incorporated a positive rectifier and a negative rectifier, each containing three diodes.
Norelco Electric Shavers: The Ultimate Upgrade for Men
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The Bendix Electrojector fuel injection system
The Bendix Electrojector was the first electronic fuel injection system, introduced in 1957. It was developed by Robert W. Sutton, assistant chief engineer of fuel systems engineering at the Bendix Eclipse Machine Division in Elmira, New York.
The Electrojector was an aviation-inspired innovation, with experiments beginning in 1953 and vehicles with prototype EFI systems on the road by 1955. By 1956, Bendix was advertising the Electrojector in trade journals and promoting it in workbench magazines. The Electrojector's modulator or control unit was referred to as a "brain box".
The Bendix Electrojector's basic layout is similar to modern fuel injection systems. It included a high-pressure electric pump submerged in the fuel tank, a common-rail fuel distribution circuit, a central control unit, a throttle body, and a solenoid-operated fuel injector for each cylinder. The injectors were spring-loaded and actuated by a modulator-controlled electromagnet. Pulse-width modulation was used to adjust the amount of injected fuel, as the injection pressure remained constant.
The first automaker to consider the Electrojector was American Motors, which planned to use it on the 1957 Rambler Rebel. However, due to cold-weather starting issues, American Motors decided not to use the EFI system on the production cars sold to the public.
Chrysler then offered the Bendix Electrojector fuel injection system as an option on its 1958 models, including the Chrysler 300D, DeSoto Adventurer, Dodge D-500, and Plymouth Fury. Chrysler called its version "Jetpower" and the control unit an "integrator". However, all the cars were recalled due to driveability issues, and most were retrofitted with standard carburetors. The electrical components couldn't handle the electrical interference and environmental conditions of real-world use.
The Bendix Electrojector was short-lived, and the program was shelved in 1960. However, it inspired Bosch to develop the D-Jetronic system, which was introduced by Volkswagen in 1968 to meet US emissions standards.
Transferring Electricity: A Guide to Switching Providers
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Chrysler's battery-electric sedan
In February 2024, Chrysler unveiled its first battery-electric sedan, the Chrysler Halcyon. The Halcyon is a concept vehicle with a sleek, futuristic design and a focus on sustainability. Its interior is crafted from 95% sustainable materials, including recycled compact discs used for the Chrysler logos. The Halcyon is currently in development in Detroit, Michigan, and is designed to deliver an unlimited range.
The Halcyon is powered by an 800-volt lithium-sulfur battery, which targets a 60% lower carbon footprint compared to today's lithium-ion batteries. This battery enables a fast charging rate of 40 miles per minute and can also utilise inductive charging through Dynamic Wireless Power Transfer Capability on roadways and highways. The vehicle's charging technology is designed to work in conjunction with a virtual personal assistant that senses the driver's approach and adjusts the second-row seating to their needs using biometric recognition.
The Chrysler Halcyon also features a reverse-yoke steering wheel that folds away to provide a workspace for the driver when needed. The vehicle's glass canopy and sculpted cockpit create a unique driving experience, and its natural and futuristic design integrate aerodynamic elements with dramatic sculptural styling. The interior cabin space offers a panoramic windshield and a footrest that runs the width of the vehicle.
The Halcyon is part of Chrysler's commitment to an all-electric future, with the company planning to sell only electric cars by 2028. While the Halcyon is not yet available for purchase, it represents Chrysler's vision for its future electric vehicles, showcasing the latest technology and design innovations. Chrysler's first fully electric vehicle is expected to be released in 2025 and will be a crossover SUV, though it will not be the Airflow EV concept that was previously unveiled at CES in 2022.
Oral-B Clic Electric Toothbrush: Is It Electric?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![CTR CR0485 [OE Supplier] Front Inner Tie Rod End Compatible with INFINITI Vehicles - Replaces 48521-EG025, 48521-EG027, 48521-EG028, D8521-1MD0A, D8521-4GA0A, D8521-EG000, D8E21-EG000, EV800567, EV800](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61nYIe7F8RL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Chrysler's history with military contracts
Chrysler, one of the "'Big Three" automobile manufacturers in the United States, has a long history of involvement with military contracts, dating back to the early 20th century. The company, founded by Walter Chrysler in 1925, first entered the military manufacturing arena in 1917 when it was known as the Dodge Brothers company. During World War I, they produced cargo trucks and artillery guns, including the 155-millimeter Howitzer.
In the interwar period, Chrysler continued to produce wartime goods for the European Allied Nations. As World War II loomed, the company once again geared up for military production, and during the war, essentially all of Chrysler's facilities were devoted to building military vehicles and systems. Chrysler ranked eighth among United States corporations in the value of wartime production contracts. They constructed and staffed a tank-building plant in Detroit, producing the M2 Medium Tank, and also made converters for the Manhattan Project's K-25 gaseous diffusion plant.
Following World War II, Chrysler Defense remained active in military projects. They contributed to the design of a range of vehicular prototypes, including turbine-powered tanks, a hovercraft, and a screw-driven amphibious vehicle. Chrysler also played a significant role in the development of missile and space technology. They established the Missile Division to serve as the prime contractor for the Army's first short-range ballistic missile, the PGM-11 Redstone, and later became the prime contractor for the first stage of the Saturn I and Saturn IB rockets used in the Apollo program.
In the 1980s, Chrysler Defense was sold to the mother company of General Dynamics and renamed General Dynamics Land Systems. The new entity continued to seek and obtain military contracts, including bids for armoured vehicles capable of detecting nuclear, biological, and chemical contaminants on the battlefield.
In addition to their direct involvement in military contracts, Chrysler also contributed to the war effort during the Cold War of the 1950s by manufacturing air raid sirens powered by their Hemi V-8 engines. They also played a role in the development of radar technology, with one of their most significant contributions being the SCR-584 radar system, widely recognized during the war era.
Get Your Ohio Electrical License: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The electrical supplier to Chrysler for its 1958 production-built car models was the Bendix Corporation.
The system provided by the Bendix Corporation was called the "Electrojector" fuel injection system.
Yes, owners of EFI Chryslers were dissatisfied with the system, leading to all but one of the vehicles being retrofitted with carburetors.
Yes, Chrysler's 1960 Valiant model was the first production automobile to use an alternator instead of an electrical generator.
![CTR CL0462 [OE Supplier] Front Stabilizer Bar Link Compatible with Chevrolet, Nissan, Renault Vehicles - Replaces 19316692, 546183NF0A, 54618-9AM1A, 54618-CY00A, 54618-EN000, 54618-ET00A,](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/511afinF5zL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
![CTR CR0113 [OE Supplier] Front Inner, Rear Inner Tie Rod End Compatible with CHEVROLET, GMC Vehicles - Replaces 19152329, 26091588, EV370, EV800285](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61x8522uykL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
