Introducing the 2024 Chrysler Halcyon Electric Sedan
What do people really want out of a vehicle? At a bare minimum, they need it to get from point A to point B—a need any vehicle moving on its own should meet. However, after manufacturers endlessly researched the ideal number of cupholders and moved on to orchestrating dance moves with flashing lights and flailing doors, we had to wonder if the industry is making better cars or just different cars? The new 2024 Chrysler Halcyon all-electric concept sedan strives to strip back the noise, presenting occupants with what they need, only when they need it.
The Halcyon doesn’t even have an instrument panel—a step beyond Tesla’s approach—using a single 15.6-inch retractable touchscreen instead. This concept exemplifies Chrysler’s vision of how connected cars and smart devices can be thoughtfully integrated into our lives, putting its customer-focused Harmony in Motion philosophy into action.
The Basics
Proposing a new sedan amid America’s love affair with SUVs might seem somewhat pointless; however, Chrysler brand CEO Christine Feuell believes the right features packaged in an engaging way can still capture consumers’ hearts. The success of the Tesla Model 3 suggests she is right, and work remains to be done to bring back sedans’ mass appeal. The Chrysler Halcyon concept proposes ambitious ideas that might be ready for consumers somewhere down the line.
The design is immediately captivating, featuring an aerodynamic shape made of 40 percent glass. The long, sloping roof-to-road windshield provides an unobstructed view, enhanced by the Air Blade device that directs air over it. According to Chrysler, the gently displaced atmosphere glides off the pointed LED tail as the STLA Large EV platform efficiently converts electrons into clean and quiet forward momentum.
The glass construction is both visually distinct and sustainable to manufacture, requiring no paint or the pollutants associated with it. Innovative films provide paint alternatives, while the Elemental Silver finish mimics recycled metals. The Solar White laser-etched suede headliner boasts 73 percent rPET, using plastic waste from water bottles. Furthermore, textile-infused wood replaces non-recyclable materials, ensuring that only non-leather trim is included.
Even the redesigned Chrysler wing logo—first unveiled on the Airflow concept—is made of crushed compact discs. Such materials will eventually begin appearing in new Chrysler products, contributing to Stellantis’ plans to reduce its carbon footprint significantly by 2030.
Innovative Features
The practical design extends to the red-carpet entry, where front and rear doors open in opposite directions, revealing a pillarless entryway with a hinged roof panel to improve headroom. The front seats conveniently slide toward the center, while the steer-by-wire system allows the steering wheel to stow away, with pedals retracting flush into the floor during entry or Level 4 autonomous driving with STLA AutoDrive.
Sounds Like Science Fiction
Chrysler vice president of product management Dhruv Chadha introduces the progressive features of the Halcyon’s Smart Cockpit. This system could hypothetically monitor traffic conditions and adjust departure times accordingly. Imagine, for instance, if the Halcyon could automatically come to meet you as you leave your building, utilizing magnetic sensors to facilitate interaction.
Moreover, the Halcyon might offer advanced Stow ‘n Go seating capable of automatically stowing the back seat for added convenience when transporting cargo. Such innovation positions the Halcyon as not only a comfortable vehicle but also a practical tool for everyday life.
Chrysler aims to make augmented reality a reality, utilizing the expansive windshield to display crucial vehicle data, personal photos, or even constellations during leisure drives. This seamless integration of technology into the driving experience enhances passenger enjoyment while providing an occasional digital detox.
Looking Toward the Future
Many features from this concept could be market-ready and may appear in upcoming models. The standalone touchscreen may soon find its way into production vehicles, particularly as Chrysler moves towards sustainable practices in vehicle design and technology. Efforts to develop 3D graphene 800-volt lithium-sulfur batteries promise to revolutionize electric vehicle range, adding up to 200 miles with just five minutes of charging.
What’s in a Name?
The Chrysler Halcyon concept car embodies cutting-edge technology while maintaining simplicity in execution. By combining ambitious ideas without the limitations imposed by budget or technology, it reflects a vision of a future where driving remains a cherished activity. Chrysler seeks to ignite the nostalgia of cruising the open road, encouraging a return to the essential joy of driving.
