The Chrysler Portal – More than just an electric van

Chrysler has today showcased the latest Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) going round known as the Portal. In concept form it’s what you’d expect and wouldn’t be out-of-place on the Jetsons. But as is the norm these days it’s the emerging technology that really sparks genuine interest. This is the car designed by Millennials for Millennials after all.

First up forget the key, the Portal Concept simply knows who you are. It uses facial recognition and voice biometrics to unlock and open doors when approaching. I guess it’s the Siri of the car world. This also extends to family members allowing for personal settings to be in place before you board.

Given this is essentially a van, occupants have been well accommodated when it comes to connectivity and simply having fun while experiencing what Chrysler call “Third Space” time, that is time spent between home, school or work etc.

BYD or “Bring Your Own Device” allows for in-vehicle sharing. That is the kids (yes Millennials are having babies soon) or friends can share music, pictures, and videos via a community display screen. Passengers bring their own devices and tap into this central style hub, it’s basically a plug and play cabin. Those Millennials certainly love their screen time.

The list of innovations is long with other highlights including passenger-to-passenger intercom, interior camera for group photo, smart home integration, In-vehicle mobile commerce, personal zoned audio, and gesture control.

Of course the Portal has been designed for autonomous driving, a myriad of cameras, sensors and 3D imagery across the crazy dash all point towards what all cars are setting out to achieve, hands free driving. Plus the steering wheel looks more like a control unit, yes this is the future.

The Portal is said to have a 400km range, while a 20 minute quick charge will get you around 240km. But while all this sounds epically techy and in some instances amazing let’s keep it real. This is merely a concept, no release date has been set and the chances of one of these cruising the streets of an Australian suburb anytime soon is 100 to 1, or more.

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