Jeep Patriot EV Concept at 2009 Detroit Auto Show

• Looks like: A Jeep Patriot with simpler bumpers
• Defining characteristics: Another electrified model from Chrysler’s ENVI division; 40-mile electric range, plus a gas-powered generator that can take over when the lithium-ion battery is depleted
• Ridiculous features: That we don’t know how long we’d have to wait to get one
• Chance of being mass-produced: Drivetrain likely; model uncertain

The Jeep Patriot EV concept is the third gas-only model that Chrysler’s ENVI division has turned into an electric car, following September 2008’s Chrysler Town & Country and Jeep Wrangler concepts, both of which also bear the EV badge. ENVI, short for environmental, has also introduced two models not based on existing cars: last year’s unique electric sports car concept, called the Dodge Circuit, and the Chrysler 200C.

The Patriot EV, a fully functional prototype, is a battery-electric compact SUV with a gasoline-engine-driven generator. The Patriot EV’s electric motor drives the front wheels. The small engine drives only the generator, not the wheels — similar to Chevrolet’s well-publicized 2011 Volt sedan. The lithium-ion battery should be good for 40 miles of driving before the generator is needed, and the generator and a full tank of gas add roughly 350 miles more, according to Jeep. The 0-60 mph time is a respectable 8 seconds, more than a second quicker than the new 2010 Toyota Prius.

As it stands, the Patriot EV recharges within eight hours on 110-volt household power. You can cut the time in half if you double the power to 220 volts, which some residential ovens and furnaces use.

The concept looks just like a regular Patriot, but with a slightly shorter front grille and a smoother front bumper. The wheels are also unique, and the interior comes from the regular Patriot, which was upgraded for the 2009 model year. Chrysler says the ENVI models will be produced, starting with one in 2010 and then more to follow. The company hasn’t determined yet which will be first.

More photos below.