AUTOS

Chrysler Chooses Electric Van Battery: Facing a 1998 California deadline for its electric cars, the auto maker said the battery that will power its new minivan will give the vehicle a range of only about 60 to 70 miles in optimal conditions. It said it has become clear in the last several months that “mid-term” technologies, such as nickel-metal hydride batteries, will prove too costly and too scarce to satisfy Chrysler Corp.’s timing and volume needs. As expected, the battery will be a lead-acid model from Electrosource Inc. of Austin, Tex. Chrysler said the battery is expected to “close in” on mid-term battery target costs of $4,500 to $6,000 per vehicle. Chrysler’s electric minivan is based on its all-new 1996 Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager models.