Chrysler CEO Confirms All-Electric Pacifica Is In The Works

Chrysler is taking a major step into the future of family transportation by announcing an all-electric version of its beloved Pacifica minivan. Chrysler/Ram CEO Christine Feuell revealed the news during the 2024 LA Auto Show, stating the Pacifica name will carry into the electric era, leveraging its strong market recognition and customer loyalty.

“There’s so much equity in the market,” Feuell explained. “Consumers have a favorable opinion about Pacifica and very high awareness. I see no reason at this point to change the name.”

This electric Pacifica will follow a refreshed version of the current minivan, scheduled for 2026. The updated model will incorporate a new design language inspired by Chrysler’s futuristic Halcyon Concept, which was unveiled earlier this year. Feuell described the upcoming Pacifica design as “modern” and “futuristic,” signaling a departure from the Airflow concept’s SUV-oriented styling.

A Reimagined Interior – 

One of the standout features of the Pacifica lineup has always been its versatile Stow ‘N Go seating system, and Chrysler plans to reinvent this innovation for the electric model. Feuell hinted at creative new configurations, including moving the front seats forward to allow for cargo space underneath or placing the second-row seats on rails to slide sideways.

These innovations aim to maintain the Pacifica’s hallmark flexibility while addressing the unique design challenges posed by a battery-electric vehicle (BEV) powertrain. Chrysler is also exploring how the new interior layout can support various lifestyle scenarios, such as tailgating, camping, or simply relaxing during daily activities.

The final seating configuration is still under development, but suppliers are now actively involved in refining these ideas, suggesting significant progress in the planning stages.

Electric Minivans Gain Ground – 

Chrysler’s move to electrify the Pacifica comes as competition in the electric minivan segment begins to heat up—Volkswagen’s ID.Buzz, the first electric minivan available in the U.S., has already made waves, though Feuell pointed out some limitations of its interior layout, such as requiring seat removal for cargo space. Chrysler’s solution aims to provide easier usability without sacrificing the spaciousness minivan customers demand.

While Feuell declined to confirm whether the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Pacifica Hybrid will remain alongside the electric version, she also wouldn’t rule out the possibility of a range-extender setup like the Ram 1500 Ramcharger’s innovative powertrain.

Setting a New Standard – 

The electric Chrysler Pacifica is poised to redefine the minivan segment with advanced technology, thoughtful design, and versatile functionality tailored to modern families. With the refreshed Pacifica arriving in 2026 and the electric version following shortly after, Chrysler is making its intentions clear: the Pacifica will remain a key part of the brand’s future, even in the electric age.

Source: Green Car Reports