Dodge Zeo concept vehicle

The 2008 Dodge ZEO – Zero Emissions Operation – concept vehicle is a four-passenger, all-electric, “2+2” sport wagon that embraces the bold, emotional characteristic of the Dodge brand. With its 23-inch wheels-to-the corners, heroic proportions and muscular forms, the ZEO exhibits a new youthful breed of muscle-machine interface. This exciting vehicle makes its European debut at the 78th International Motor Show in Geneva.

Dodge owners and those who will desire the ZEO concept are unquestionably driving enthusiasts. They are less family-oriented, with a desire for things that are high-tech, and place less emphasis on pure practicality. While they boast environmental and overall responsibility, they also exhibit a “need for speed.”

“The Dodge ZEO concept is designed to break the paradigm of what an electric car should look like,” said Bill Zheng, Dodge ZEO concept principal exterior designer. “An electric car can be as expressive as any gasoline-powered vehicle. The Dodge ZEO concept proves that point – and then some.”

To this end, the Dodge ZEO’s body has been given an active, three-dimensional form, with the fenders boldly offset to the body.

Dodge ZEO Concept Technology

The advanced propulsion system powering the Dodge ZEO concept is electric-only with a 64 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack capable of at least 400 kilometres.

Resting in a rear-wheel-drive layout, Dodge ZEO’s 200-kilowatt (272 horsepower DIN) single-electric motor contributes to a 0-100 km/h time of less than six seconds – which rivals Chrysler’s famed HEMI^® powerplant.

Unlike other such vehicles, Dodge ZEO is a four-door, four-passenger vehicle that delivers function as well as environmental responsibility.

Dodge ZEO Concept Exterior

Nestled between the robust circular wheel arches, ZEO’s taut, elongated beltline ends with the signature Dodge kick-up at the rear, where the reverse-angle C-pillar is planted directly over the rear wheel arch.

Inspired in part by the architecture of a Möbius strip (a continuous surface with only one side), Dodge ZEO’s rakish A-pillars curve into extended roof rails that twist and converge as they race rearward. The windscreen glass continues in an unbroken, curving plane nearly to the rear of the car, giving both front and rear passengers an unimpeded, all-round view while showcasing ZEO’s inventive interior.

Other expressive details include “scissor” doors, front and rear lamps treated as separate sculptural forms, and the “ZEO Orange” and dark silver exterior.

“The lit crossbar grille,” says Zheng, “is designed to communicate the use of electricity as the ZEO’s power source.”

Dodge ZEO Concept Interior

Inspired by organic forms and wireless technology, Dodge ZEO’s interior is loaded with attitude and intelligence expected by youthful buyers.

“The Dodge ZEO concept is an example of designing for people who are used to a dynamic lifestyle and who are surrounded with information and virtual friends at all times,” says Lou Gasevski, Dodge ZEO concept principal interior designer.

The entire cabin is treated as if it were a single piece of sculpture.

A broad sloping fabric-wrapped surface in front of the driver curves dramatically into the door and quarter panel. It then sweeps around the back panel to the opposite side quarter and door, ending in a sloping surface in front of the passenger.

This design approach blends the usually separate-looking parts of the interior into a unified whole. A narrow strip of blue LED accent lighting on the doors and quarters lead to the back panel, adding to the sweeping effect. Most of the interior surfaces of the Dodge ZEO concept are coloured in Super White, adding to the sculptural impression.

A slim centre console slopes down from the windscreen of the Dodge ZEO, creating a dual-cockpit effect. It then levels off to divide the cabin by continuing clear to the back panel. To avoid visual clutter, customary controls and a viewing screen are set flush with the surface.

Instead of a conventional instrument panel, the steering wheel, column and instruments are treated as a single freestanding design element. The Dodge ZEO concept’s steering wheel has two vertical spokes, set closely together, leaving 80 per cent of the rim “open” for maximum visibility. The laid-back centre hub, containing the driver air bag and auxiliary switches, is stationary, with the wheel rim revolving around it. Left and right horizontal paddle-levers just behind the wheel rim activate the remote radio functions.

The sloping plane of the centre hub, which cantilevers forward above the steering column, houses the instruments, which are displayed on a thin blue acrylic viewing screen set directly in front of the driver. The entire elegant multi-piece ensemble adjusts with the wheel rim to the driver’s needs.

Doors and quarters are bisected by a flaring, wide-to-narrow dark gray panel separating the upper and lower surfaces – with the lower portion of the door and quarter curving inboard to provide an armrest surface. Milled aluminium door pull handles, placed diagonally, act as accents.

Contrasting coloured Copperhead stitching follows the forms of the Dodge ZEO’s Super White leather seats. For maximum comfort, the four bucket seats sport highly contoured bolsters on the seat cushions and backs. When in the down position, the slim sculpted head restraints nestle neatly into the tops of the upper seatbacks. The seat shells are constructed from milled aluminium, with video screens integrated into the front seatbacks.

With its bold exterior and curving, sculptural interior, the ZEO concept appeals to Dodge brand customers who want value, expressive design and useful technology.

Dodge ZEO Concept Vehicle Specifications

Vehicle Type

• Battery Electric Vehicle, performance sedan
• “2+2” passenger seating

Weight and Dimensions

• Weight 1202 kg (2650 lbs.)
• GVWR 1542 kg (3400 lbs.)
• Length 4390 mm (172.8 in.)
• Width at H-point 1743 mm (68.6 in.)
• Height 1290 mm (50.8 in.)
• Wheelbase 2792 mm (109.9 in.)
• Couple 1-2 742 mm (29.2 in.)
• Front Overhang 832 mm (32.8 in.)
• Rear Overhang 765 mm (30.1 in.)
• Track Front 1628 mm (64.1 in.)
• Track Rear 1671 mm (65.8 in.)
• Approach Angle 10.2 degrees
• Departure Angle 24.6 degrees
• Turn Circle 12.2 m (40 ft.)
• Maximum Width 1944 mm (76.5 in.)

Powertrain and Suspension

• Layout Rear-wheel drive
• Motor Single electric
• Nominal power: 200 kW (272 hp DIN)
• Regenerative braking
• Battery 64 kWh Li-ion battery pack
• Suspension Front – SLA
• Rear – SLA

Wheels and Tyres

• Tyre Size Front P225/40R23x8 764 mm (30.1 in.)
• Tyre Size Rear P255/40R23x9 788 mm (31 in.)
• Tyre manufacturer Goodyear

Colour Scheme

• Exterior Orange Metallic
• Interior Super White
  

Key Performance Attributes

• 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) 5.7 seconds
• Standing ¼ mile (0.4 km) 11.0 seconds
• Top Speed 209 km/h (130 mph)
• All-electric Range 402 kilometres (250 mi.)
• Equivalent Fuel Economy Approx. 2.0L/100km