Amid the economic turmoil at Chrysler, they have killed their planned hybrid programs before ever delivering a car. The Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen hybrid sport utility vehicles have been discontinued. Chrysler had claimed to have 3,000 orders already for the hybrid SUV models, but those orders will never be filled now. The downturn in SUVs as well as the economic downturn were too much for company to continue down the path of these more expensive models.

With plant closures, a 25% workforce layoff, and ongoing talks of a merger with GM, the future of Chrysler’s hybrid efforts seem uncertain. However, the planned plug in electric vehicles we reported about last month are apparently still on track.

If you simply can’t wait the major car makers roll out their electric cars in 2010, Hybrid Technologies wants to sell you a 100% electric car today. The only catch is, it will cost you. But if you want to be the first one in your neighborhood to silently cruise by gas stations and laugh, the cars are available. Hybrid technologies has been making headlines lately with their litium ion battery powered electric cars, motorcycles, mopeds, even home systems.

They currently market 5 EVs, from city commuters to a super sports car. Their most popular model is the LiV Flash, which is based on the BMW Mini Cooper. For $57,500 they will deliver you a brand new plug in electric version of the Mini Cooper.

Specs include a top speed of 80+ MPH, 0-60 in 9 seconds, range of 100-120 miles and a charge time of just 6 hours.

Need a little more room to haul the kids? Another model uses Chrysler’s PT cruiser model as the basis for the electric conversion.

Specs include a top speed of 80+ MPH, 0-60 in 9.9 seconds, range of 100-120 miles and a charge time of just 6 hours.

If you really have to make a statement with your EV, the LiV Rush could be your answer. This exotic sports car boasts all electric performance of 0-60 in 5 seconds and a top speed of 110 MPH. All for the price of $100,000. Roughly the same price as a similar Tesla.

Chrysler has released a spec sheet for the 2010 Jeep Wrangler EV plug in electric vehicle. Given the weight and aerodynamics of the Jeep, the performance and efficiency numbers are very impressive. Here is a summary:

Electrical drive system:

Power: 268 HP (200 kw)

Torque: 295 lbs-ft. (400 nM)

Performance:

0-60: 9.0 seconds

1/4 Mile: 16.5 seconds

Top Speed: 90 MPH+

Range: 400 miles total, 1st 40 miles all electric

Battery:

Type: Lithium-Ion

Energy: 27 kWh

Voltage: 370-410

Charging: Standard household 110/220 or 220/240

In a major move to capture some of GM’s spotlight with the much hyped Volt, Chrysler announced today a whole lineup of electric and hybrid vehicles. The vehicles are set for release in 2010 and featured plug in hybrid technology with advanced lithium ion batteries. Chrysler has been developing these vehicles in relative secrecy and the project is progressing rapidly according to company executives.

The flagship of the line is the Dodge EV, a high performance sports car (think Tesla killer) with a all electric range of 150-200 miles. 0 to 60 times are less than 5 seconds. With looks reminiscent of the Dodge viper, but 0 gas onsumption, it should be a huge hit.

Possibly even more dramatic is Chrysler’s attempt to go after markets previously untapped for hybrids and electrics - families and off-roaders. They are releasing extended range electric versions of their popular minivans and Jeep 4×4s. Extended range allows for the first 40 miles to be all electric with an extended range of 400 miles on gas.

The Chrysler Town and Country Mini Van extended range electric. The minivan will retain all the standard features like popular stow and go seating.

The Jeep Wrangler EV. This extended range EV vehicle will feature 4 individual motors, 1 on each wheel which allows for more precise control of power and traction as well as energy savings.

Watch the full video of the product launch here