In short, Chrysler currently relies on two battery configurations: a traditional 12‑volt lead‑acid battery for standard gasoline and hybrid systems, and a high‑voltage lithium‑ion battery pack for its plug‑in hybrid offering, the Pacifica Hybrid. As of 2024, there are no fully electric Chrysler models in regular production in the U.S., though the brand is part of Stellantis’ broader plan to introduce all‑electric vehicles in the future.
This article outlines how Chrysler uses these batteries today, what buyers should know about charging and range, and how the brand’s electrified plans are evolving.
Two main battery systems in Chrysler vehicles today
Today, Chrysler relies on two primary battery configurations across its lineup: a 12‑volt system for conventional operations and a high‑voltage pack for plug‑in hybrids and potential BEVs. The following items summarize each type and its role.
- 12‑volt lead‑acid battery commonly used for starting the engine and powering vehicle electronics (lights, infotainment, accessories) in most non‑electric Chrysler models.
- High‑voltage lithium‑ion battery used in Chrysler’s plug‑in hybrid offering (Pacifica Hybrid) to store energy for the electric motor and enable all‑electric or assisted driving.
In brief, the 12‑volt battery handles traditional vehicle functions, while the high‑voltage Li‑ion pack supports electrified propulsion in the Pacifica Hybrid and any future BEV products.
Pacifica Hybrid: Chrysler’s current plug‑in option
The Pacifica Hybrid is Chrysler’s sole in‑production plug‑in vehicle in the U.S. landscape and serves as the clearest example of Chrysler’s high‑voltage battery use today.
Battery details for the Pacifica Hybrid
The Pacifica Hybrid uses a 16 kilowatt‑hour lithium‑ion battery pack that enables electric driving for a portion of trips, with an EPA‑estimated electric range of about 32 miles. It charges via plug‑in AC charging (Level 1 at 120V or Level 2 at 240V) using an onboard charger; DC fast charging is not available on this model. The battery powers an electric motor to supplement or sometimes substitute for the gasoline engine during routine driving.
Overall, this is the primary example of Chrysler’s high‑voltage battery technology in current production, while other Chrysler models continue to rely on the standard 12‑volt system for regular operations.
Future BEV plans for Chrysler
As part of Stellantis’ broader electrification strategy, Chrysler has signaled plans to expand into fully electric models in the coming years. Specific battery sizes, ranges, and timing for future Chrysler BEVs have not been officially disclosed in detail, but market expectations center on a broader BEV lineup beyond the Pacifica Hybrid.
- Chrysler aims to introduce additional electric models as part of Stellantis’ electrification roadmap; details, including battery capacity and range, are to be announced as models approach launch.
- Future Chrysler BEVs are expected to leverage Stellantis’ STLA platform architectures, but exact specifications remain to be confirmed.
For now, the Pacifica Hybrid remains Chrysler’s current plug‑in option, with the brand’s electrified future centered on expanding BEV offerings in the coming years.
Summary
Chrysler uses two battery types today: a conventional 12‑volt lead‑acid battery for most non‑electric models, and a 16 kWh lithium‑ion high‑voltage pack in the Pacifica Hybrid for plug‑in electric propulsion. There are no fully electric Chrysler models in regular production as of 2024, but the brand has announced plans to broaden its electrified lineup in the future as part of Stellantis’ BEV strategy.