With its extreme cab-forward design, the sleek aerodynamic ESX2 has room for five or six passengers plus 19.9 cubic feet of cargo space‹nearly 3 cubic feet more than the 1998 Dodge Intrepid.

While the ESX2 combines many Chrysler-developed advanced technologies into one highly efficient, low-emission next-generation car, but affordability remains an issue. In particular, the cost of hybrid powertrain components, including advanced batteries, the electric motor/power controller and the diesel engine, is still prohibitive. One new approach to reduce cost is a "mybrid," or mild hybrid, in which a small battery is used to power accessories and provide a boost during hard acceleration.