Fully-Electrified Minivan: What we expect from the Chrysler Pacifica EV

Update (November 27, 2024): ‘America’s most popular minivan,’ ‘Chrysler CEO confirms an all-electric Pacifica’ and ‘Competitors & Release Date’ sections updated.

In 2016, the Chrysler Pacifica debuted as America’s first minivan with an electrified powertrain featuring a plug-in hybrid. In 2022, Chrysler announced that it is committed to launching its first battery-electric vehicle (BEV) by 2025, and a full battery-electric portfolio is expected to be rolled out by the end of the decade. The next-generation minivan, including a Chrysler Pacifica EV, should keep its line-up ready for different customer choices.

Chrysler CEO confirms an all-electric Pacifica

Speaking to Green Car Reports at the 2024 LA Auto Show, Chrysler CEO Christine Feuell confirmed that the company will use the Pacifica name for its upcoming electric minivan. Feuell said Chrysler sees no reason to change a name that already enjoys very high awareness in the market.

America’s most popular minivan

Despite being older than its rivals and facing stiff competition from SUVs, the Chrysler Pacifica remains a popular choice in the U.S. market. The Pacifica was the best-selling minivan in the U.S. in the first three quarters of 2024, contributing 92,386 units to the brand’s sales. Honda delivered 65,289 units of the Odyssey during the same period, while Toyota sold only 50,789 units of the Sienna.

Design

Feuell said at the 2024 LA Auto Show that the Chrysler Halcyon concept will serve as the brand’s future design language. Thus, we may see similar elements on the exterior of the Chrysler Pacifica EV. That said, the electric minivan should maintain a silhouette that makes it immediately recognizable.

Earlier, Feuell told Green Car Reports that Chrysler wants to “reinvent the minivan” in its future vehicle range. The company is “rethinking” what such a model should and needs to be in the electric era, the CEO added. The future minivan has to be the best model in its segment again, Feuell indicated. It may offer the Pacifica’s Stow ‘n Go seating or an improved version of the same. Stow ‘n Go is a special system that allows folding the second-row seats into hidden bins located on the floor of the car.

Interior & Features

Chrysler will design the Pacifica EV’s interior from the ground up, taking maximum advantage of its new platform and leaving no traces of the current model. Its recently unveiled futuristic technologies, including STLA Smart Cockpit, STLA Brain, and STLA AutoDrive, should come into play, making the electric minivan its most high-tech product in the line-up. We expect to witness a new level of comfort, convenience, and safety in the EV.

The design of the Chrysler Pacifica EV’s interior could have references to the Chrysler Synthesis two-seater concept from CES 2023. The dashboard will likely be much slimmer and feature edgy lines, giving the passengers an increased sense of space and a feel of sitting in a vehicle from the next generation. An array of displays may cover almost the entire width of the dashboard. There’s no doubt Chrysler would take a leaf out of Jeep’s book and integrate a passenger display, for if there’s anything that feature makes the most sense in, it’s a family-oriented people mover like this minivan.

Materials Chrysler uses in the Pacifica EV’s cabin could be 100% sustainable, meaning no chrome or animal leather. We expect to see elements made from recycled plastics, reclaimed fishing nets, natural fibers, and more such new-age materials. Soundscapes for relaxing, all-around ambient lighting that serves additional functions like visual feedback and warnings, dimmable panoramic sunroof, etc. are some more attractive features we think Chrysler could explore for the Pacifica EV.

Specifications

The next-gen Chrysler Pacifica could come in plug-in hybrid and pure-electric variants to address the needs of all customers. Underpinning the Chrysler Pacifica EV could be the STLA Large platform that is designed for the American market. STLA Large EVs will get 150-330 kW (201-442 hp) motors. The Pacifica EV may come with powerful units that provide at least 200-225 kW (268-302 hp) individually (2WD) or combined (AWD), depending on the configuration.

EVs based on the STLA Large will get 101-118 kWh battery packs that provide a range of up to 500 miles. However, speaking to Green Car Reports at the 2022 New York International Auto Show, Feuell said that 400 miles “seems to be the sweet spot” for potential customers. A 400-mile range would be truly impressive and could prove to be a huge attraction for the family-oriented American minivan.

Manufacturing

Production of the Chrysler Pacifica EV should take place at the same site as the gasoline and plug-in hybrid Pacifica models, the Windsor Assembly Plant in Canada. On June 3, 2022, Stellantis announced that it will build STLA Large models at the Canadian factory. This is a part of the company’s CAD 3.6 billion (USD 2.6 billion) investment announced as support for its Dare Forward 2030 strategy. Stellantis will invest CAD 45 billion (USD 32 billion) in electrification and software by 2025.

Release Date

The Chrysler Pacifica EV will likely start arriving at U.S. dealerships in 2027. By taking their time to enter the segment, Chrysler has the opportunity to study customer usage of early electric minivan models like the VW ID. Buzz and the Kia PV5 and make necessary product adaptations.

TopElectricSUV says

Like the ID. Buzz, the Chrysler Pacifica EV should be among the first pure-electric minivan models launched in the U.S. In addition to being more eco-friendly than the Pacifica Hybrid, the Pacifica EV should be quieter, quicker, more spacious, more comfortable and feature an advanced infotainment system.

Featured Image: TopElectricSUV’s render of the Pacifica Electric.