Chrysler Boss Says Halcyon Concept Proves EVs Don’t Have To Look Like Jelly Beans

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A month after Chrysler unveiled the Halcyon online, the well-received concept EV stepped into the limelight at the Amelia Concours d’Elegance, making its physical debut in front of a live crowd. During the event, Christine Feuell, the company’s CEO, shed light on her strategic shift from the Airflow to embrace this fresh design language.

Chrysler’s first attempt at wooing us with an EV was the Airflow concept from 2021. While it was a reasonably handsome crossover, it lacked a distinct character. The Halcyon, however, takes a completely different approach. Firstly, it’s a sedan, and secondly, it boasts a shark-like nose and a four-door coupe roofline.

The concept “really gives you a forward-looking perspective of where we’re going,” said Feuell, at the event. It’s “a very modern and contemporary design, with thoughtfully sculpted lines that really give the vehicle beautiful stance, a very elegant presence, but also you can see a new interpretation of how to deliver aerodynamics in an electric vehicle that doesn’t result in a jelly bean or a wedge type of design.”

More: This Stunning Halcyon Concept Is Why Chrysler Axed The Airflow

The lukewarm reception to the “jelly bean” design hasn’t gone unnoticed by manufacturers. Mercedes, for instance, has acknowledged this sentiment and announced a departure from the smooth, rounded lines that have been emblematic of the EQ vehicles thus far. This decision comes in response to the disappointment expressed by some customers.

Feuell emphasized that the Halcyon Concept’s unique light signature and its newly designed wing logo impart it with a distinctive appearance. She expressed confidence that drivers would easily recognize future Chrysler EVs in their rearview mirrors based on these distinguishing features.

Seen behind Feuell in photos from the event shared by Stellantis Chief Design Officer Ralph Gilles, as well as in videos from concours attendees, the concept’s proportions become easier to judge, and the intricacies of its design become more apparent.

Walkaround videos showcase the muscularity of the Halcyon’s rear wheel arches and the intricacy of its bodywork. The event also provided Chrysler with an opportunity to highlight some of the concept’s finer details, such as the badges embedded in the tread plates, which feature a crystal-like design achieved using crushed CDs.

Feuell maintains that many of the Halcyon’s features, such as its AI-powered infotainment system, its smart cockpit, and others could be added to its vehicles in the near future. “It’s not something that’s a science project that we have to wait 10 years to receive,” she said.

Chrysler has said that it is planning to launch a new, two-row electric crossover in 2025. It will be interesting to see how the Halcyon’s design language translates to a taller vehicle. However, we may someday see something that looks more like the concept on the road, because Feuell said that the brand is considering following the crossover up with a sedan.