Chrysler-Fiat Prefers Diesel

Chrysler-Fiat is not going to spend money on electric models until customers are willing to pay for the technology, according to Bob Lee, chief of Fiat and Chrysler worldwide Powertrain.

At the 2013 CAR Management Briefing’s Advanced Powertrain Forum, Lee announced that customers aren’t willing to pay enough for hybrids and electric models to warrant the additional price of the technology. Chrysler-Fiat would rather aim on developing more diesel and turbocharged motors for its cars until customers are willing to pay for the tech. He also informed that the company doesn’t expect that to happen for another decade.

Surely, the counter argument is how well Tesla is doing with its Model S, which is rather expensive vehicle. But then again, the Model S comes equipped with a lot more luxury details than a standard Fiat or Chrysler model. Nowadays, Fiat provides the electric 500e that’s available only in California and at the same price as the regular, gasoline-powered 500.

When it comes to simply increasing fuel economy, Chrysler-Fiat feels that it’s better to spend the money on diesel and smaller, turbocharged motors in order to hit those digits.