The puzzle of Chrysler’s future becomes more twisted as we look at the brand’s latest move. Or is it an anti-move? After sailing along with its first Airflow EV set to launch next year, Chrysler has now pulled the plug on development. This move now clouds Chryler’s future in several ways. 

With the Chrysler Airflow EV dead, what’s left?

As we’ve covered recently, the company is down to one model after the Chrysler 300 retires. Yes, one model. The Pacifica minivan is it. The Airflow was to be the first of a rapid launch of several electric vehicles, according to CEO Chris Feuell. With that car gone, the company shifts gears toward a newer EV further into the future. 

Customer clinics showed that the Airflow met a favorable reception. But Chrysler wanted to abandon the Airflow’s RU platform, which would require adapting it to EV power because it’s the same one underpinning the Pacifica. So whatever vehicle is next will ride on the Stellantis STLA Large EV platform. 

Chrysler CEO offers little concrete plans past the Airflow

In other words, the unnamed vehicle would ride on the same platform many other Stellantis EVs will also use. So as Feuell reaches for something that bests the Airflow, Chrysler will do it with the homogenized EV underpinnings. Feuell told MotorTrend the new EV will “have a lot of STLA technology.” It should, seeing as how it is the STLA platform. 

From there, we get the typical bromides — “forefront of advanced tech,” “harmony in motion,” “seamless technology,” “accessible,” “affordable,” and so on. Chrysler’s plan is for the EV’s introduction sometime in 2025. That might be when its reveal takes place. If so, 2026 or later would be when to expect the new car. So, in that case, dealerships must hang on for two and a half years or more. 

What will Chrysler dealers do with no new models?

Most dealerships under the Stellantis umbrella sell Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram models. So Chrysler dealers can continue what they’ve mostly been doing for several years. They sell what they have regardless of new models that might or might not be coming, like the Airflow.

“Starting in 2025, you are going to see a succession of new products coming from us every single year,” Feuell told MotorTrend. She’s been saying that since becoming CEO in September 2021. But the company has remained silent on how many to expect. 

We could expect two or three more models, including the Airflow replacement in 2025 or 2026. That is unless Chrysler kills one or two in the interim. As of now, no assembly plant exists for a new Chrysler EV. But because the vehicle would ride on the STLA platform, the facility would likely get the first STLA iteration.  

Was the Chrysler Airflow concept too bland?

Maybe the lukewarm reception to the Ram Revolution electric truck’s slight design changes from the Ram 1500 gave Stellantis pause. Or you could look at it another way. If the Airflow was watered down for production, as was the Revolution, killing it might have been in Chrysler’s best interest. 

We hope that, for once, whatever whiz-bang concept the company shoves out as the first new Chrysler model in almost a decade isn’t just a prototype far removed from production, as the Revolution became. General Motors continues that damning process, but let’s hope Stellantis won’t play that game after the Revolution disappointment.