Within the auto industry, there is some consensus around the creation of the minivan segment, which is credited to Chrysler with the 1983 launch of the Voyager. Some older models could be considered predecessors of the category (FIAT 600 Multipla); In addition, there is some debate due to the proximity in time of another pioneer, the Renault Espace developed by Matra, much closer by design to a conventional car.
The truth is that, regardless of all this musing, Chrysler has made minivans one of its flagship products for four decades. Currently, the Pacifica model is the main protagonist of its range (although we must not lose sight of the fact that Chrysler currently only markets one other vehicle, the veteran 300 sedan).
Now under the orbit of the Stellantis group, the historic firm will renew its aging range, since between 2025 and 2028 it will launch three electric models. Two of them are expected to be SUVs; however, Christine Feuell, CEO of Chrysler, has confirmed that the third will be a minivan, a segment that has dominated since the 1980s.
“I think it is safe to say that we are looking to reinvent the minivan in our future range. A range of 400 miles (644 km) appears to be the sweet spot for many customers trying to overcome range anxiety. It is interesting to remember that, by the year 2028, Chrysler will eliminate its thermal offer.
Chrysler Voyager, Pacifica, or Portal?
The new Voyager or Pacifica will likely take some solutions from the Portal Concept, a 2017 prototype with which the company wanted to show the future of minivans. How could it be otherwise, the characteristic modularity of this type of vehicle will be maintained in the new electric minivan from Chrysler.
Two platforms could be chosen to support the new minivan: the STLA Medium or the STLA Large. The first will cover segments C (compact), D (family), and E (executive), and vehicles between 4.35 and 5 meters will sit on it. Its batteries will be between 87 and 104 kWh and its maximum range will be 700 km WLTP.
The second will be used in vehicles of segments D (family), E (executive), and F (representation) with lengths between 4.70 and 5.5 meters. Its batteries will have between 101 and 118 kWh, with a maximum autonomy of 800 km WLTP.
