New-Generation EV Vans for LAX Shuttle

A fleet of fast-recharging electric-powered Chrysler minivans go into service today for Xpress Shuttle, which plans to use the five-passenger air-conditioned vehicles for trips between Los Angeles International Airport and downtown Los Angeles locations. The Electric Powered Interurban Commuter vans are DaimlerChrysler’s entry in the electric vehicle market and will be leased to Xpress for $450 a month. They use a DaimlerChrysler-developed rapid recharger that can “top up” the batteries in 20 minutes, enabling the minivans to remain on the road up to 16 hours a day while logging 300 miles of passenger-hauling service, the companies said. Typically electric vehicles need six to 10 hours for a recharge and get only about 80 miles per charge. Xpress said the Electric Xpress program will be the largest commercial electric transportation venture ever attempted in terms of passenger miles per year.