Tag Archives: Stellantis

News

Stellantis to introduce battery swap stations from 2024

Stellantis will launch a community of battery swap stations that may match a totally charged battery to an EV “in less than five minutes”.

The expertise, developed by San Francisco-based Ample and backed by Vauxhall mum or dad Stellantis, will likely be rolled out on a subscription foundation and be launched in Madrid, Spain, subsequent yr. Further websites will comply with, though the model is remaining tight-lipped on places and timelines.

It will initially be accessible for less than the electrical Fiat 500 however the system will likely be expanded to accommodate each marque within the Stellantis secure, together with Citroën, Peugeot, Jeep and Maserati.

It has been conceived to make gaining a totally charged battery “as fast and convenient as refuelling with gas”, in keeping with Stellantis. Cars will likely be recognised on arrival, with drivers utilizing an app to provoke the swapping course of.

It follows an analogous set-up by Chinese EV model Nio, which has greater than 1300 of its Power Swap Stations in service throughout its house nation, with an additional 13 in a number of central European international locations. Plans for the UK have beforehand been mooted.

For Stellantis’s tech, the swappable modular batteries have been designed as “drop-in replacements” for present packs utilized by any electrical automotive. It permits Stellantis to combine its batteries with out re-engineering platforms, saving money. 

“Ample’s Modular Battery Swapping solution has the opportunity to offer our customers greater energy efficiency, outstanding performance and lower range anxiety. We are looking forward to executing the initial programme with our stellar Fiat 500e,” Stellantis senior vice chairman Ricardo Stamatti stated.

According to Stellantis, the swap stations might be constructed and totally operational in “as little as three days”.

Ample CEO Khaled Hassounah stated: “The combination of offering compelling electric vehicles that can also receive a full charge in less than five minutes will help remove the remaining impediments to electric vehicle adoption.”

Motorsport

Step Aside Nissan Titan, This Is The Fiat Titano

Stellantis has a bunch of vans we sadly do not get right here within the United States. A couple of that spring to thoughts are the Fiat Strada, the Ram 700, and the compact Rampage. The final one may make it stateside finally, however nothing is official. There’s additionally the Peugeot Landtrek, which now lives a double life because the “new” Fiat Titano in Latin America and Africa.

Carrying a reputation originating from Greek mythology similar to the Nissan Titan, the Fiat Titano competes in the identical phase because the Ford Ranger. The midsize truck traces its roots to the Changan Kaicene F70, a Chinese pickup developed by Changan Automobile and PSA. It’s been round since 2019 and is produced in a number of factories internationally, carrying completely different badges to higher go well with regional markets.


News

Stellantis engaged on hydrogen combustion engines

Stellantis is engaged on hydrogen combustion engines as one in all 4 totally different options to zero-emissions driving, CEO Carlos Tavares has mentioned.

Tavares was talking on the opening of the Symbio hydrogen gasoline cell manufacturing facility in Lyon, France. Symbio is an equally owned three way partnership between Stellantis, automotive provider Forvia and tyre maker Michelin.

Stellantis – which owns 14 automotive makers, together with Alfa Romeo, Citroën, Jeep, Peugeot and Vauxhall – is attempting to diversify the variety of drivetrains accessible beneath European Union decarbonisation guidelines.

“Hydrogen injection is one of the four technologies we’re working on,” Tavares mentioned after the plant opening. 

He criticised legislators for his or her “brutal” strategies to maneuver automotive makers away from fossil fuels and steering them in the direction of EVs.

“Now the dogmatic thinking is being hurt by reality, because if you aren’t affordable, then people can’t pay for it,” he mentioned.

Stellantis is diversifying its drivetrain choices to cater to these prospects for whom EV charging is a downside.

“The real competition is starting between fuel cell, EVs, hydrogen internal combustion engines and even synthetic fuels,” Tavares mentioned. “We will see in the next few years what is going to be the best solution for the citizens.” 

Burning hydrogen in combustion engines has been seen as the best resolution for zero-emissions driving, particularly amongst business car makers, given the shortage of disruption to produce chains it might trigger in contrast with BEVs or FCEVs.

Petrol engines must be modified to simply accept hydrogen, however a lot of the identical mechanism stays. The hurdles then are establishing a refuelling community and making inexperienced hydrogen at scale.

Tavares didn’t say which automobiles could be provided with hydrogen combustion engines, however Stellantis has already begun promoting its K0 vary of mid-size vans (assume the Vauxhall Vivaro) with a hydrogen gasoline cell choice.

Stellantis can even supply a hydrogen gasoline cell model of the Ram Heavy Duty pick-up truck within the US in late 2026 or early 2027, Tavares mentioned.

Hydrogen tanks are simpler to bundle in a van, whereas the lesser weight of a fuel-cell or hydrogen-combustion van in contrast with a battery-electric one would enable for a larger payload. 

Toyota has demonstrated hydrogen combustion engines in each Toyota Yaris and Toyota Corolla race vehicles working in Japan, whereas the Renault Group has showcased one within the Alpine Alpenglow supercar idea.

Motorsport

Jeep Wrangler Goes Electric Only In 2028, New Dodge Durango Due In 2025

Stellantis and the UAW reached a tentative agreement for a new contract on October 28. UAW members working at Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and Chrysler still need to ratify the deal, but notable news regarding vehicle production has slipped out in the process. In short, we’re seeing timelines for popular SUVs that take us through the current lifecycle and into the next generation, revealing some electrification details in the process.

2024 Jeep Wrangler

We start with the Jeep Wrangler. Built at the Stellantis factory in Toledo, Ohio, the current JL generation will remain in production until 2028. An upgrade to the Wrangler 4xe hybrid is scheduled for 2025. However, the interesting part comes with the next-generation off-roader. The UAW deal reveals that production for the J70 Wrangler, starting in 2028, will feature two electric powertrains. One will be fully electric, while the other will use a combustion engine as a range extender. This confirms previous reports about the next Wrangler being fully electric, without any mention of a pure combustion model or a plug-in hybrid version.

Jeep Grand Wagoneer

On the other end of the size spectrum, the Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer will also continue with the current model until 2028. A mid-cycle refresh is expected in 2025, and the UAW agreement reveals an electric version with a range-extending engine will be introduced that year. A fully electric Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer is listed for 2027. Unlike the Wrangler, there is no mention of a next-generation model or any plans beyond 2028. However, a second refresh for combustion models is mentioned in 2027.

2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe 30th Anniversary Edition

As for the Grand Cherokee, the current generation two-row model will continue production until 2027, while the three-row version will be produced until 2028. A mid-cycle refresh is scheduled for 2024, and a next-generation model is expected in 2027, featuring both battery and combustion powertrains.

2024 Dodge Durango Citadel

The Dodge Durango, built alongside the Grand Cherokee at Stellantis’ Detroit Assembly Complex, will remain in production until 2025 for the current generation, with the next-generation model set for 2026. Similar to the Grand Cherokee, it will be available with both combustion and battery-electric powertrains.

It’s important to note that while these details appear to be official, the automakers themselves have not made any official announcements. We reached out to representatives from Dodge and Jeep for confirmation and comments on the information in the UAW agreement, but both companies declined to comment.

These are not the only details leaked by the UAW regarding Stellantis. The proposal also mentions the reopening of the former Jeep Cherokee plant in Belvidere, Illinois, where an unspecified mid-size truck will be manufactured. This suggests the possibility of a smaller Ram truck, as Jeep already produces the Gladiator. Ram, however, did not comment on this report, similar to the SUV news.

News

Stellantis upgrades electric van line-up

Stellantis is making significant updates to its van line-up in an effort to surpass Ford and become the world leader in the light commercial vehicle market by 2027. The key improvements include enhancing the capabilities of its electric vans and achieving best-in-class range figures in the compact and large van segments.

The small electric van, sold under different brands such as Citroën ë-Berlingo, Fiat E-Doblò, Opel/Vauxhall Combo Electric, and Peugeot e-Partner, now offers a range of 205 miles between charges, which is an increase of 30 miles compared to the previous version. Additionally, each van is equipped with a larger 10-inch infotainment display, level-two autonomous driving capabilities, a 360-degree camera view, and wireless connectivity to fleet management systems.

Stellantis’s medium electric van, available as the Citroën ë-Dispatch, Fiat E-Scudo, Opel/Vauxhall Vivaro Electric, and Peugeot e-Expert, has also seen an improvement in its range. Vans fitted with the 75kWh battery now provide a range of 224 miles, an increase of 28 miles. Similar interior upgrades have been made in the medium-sized vans as well.

The large electric van, sold as the Citroën ë-Relay, Fiat E-Ducato, Opel/Vauxhall Movano Electric, and Peugeot e-Boxer, now features a larger 110kWh battery, delivering an extended range of 261 miles. Notably, the charging speed has also been significantly enhanced, allowing for recharge rates of up to 150kW, compared to the previous limit of 50kW. These vans share the same interior improvements found in the smaller and medium-sized models.

Despite the upgrades, Stellantis claims that the vans’ capabilities, such as carrying capacities, remain uncompromised. The company aims to provide fleet operators with cost-effective charging and maintenance solutions, as well as on-board coaching for economical driving.

Motorsport

Stellantis Cancels SEMA, LA Auto Show Appearances, Blames The UAW Strike

Stellantis has decided not to participate in this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show and SEMA Show due to increasing costs associated with the ongoing UAW strike. This announcement comes shortly after the company’s decision not to attend CES 2024.

The cancellation includes Stellantis’ Mopar display at SEMA, which was originally planned. It is unclear whether the vehicles that were supposed to be showcased with Mopar accessories will be revealed in the future. The company will share its plans at a later time.

There have been rumors that Stellantis might sell its North American headquarters, technical center, and 17 other facilities. In its latest counteroffer to the UAW, Stellantis requested the exclusive right to sell these facilities, giving the company flexibility regarding its campus in the future.

The UAW strike against General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis began on September 4, marking a historic event for the labor organization. Since then, the strike has expanded to target the automakers’ most profitable plants and products.

Last week, the UAW escalated its actions by striking at Ford’s Kentucky Truck Plant, where the Ford F-Series Super Duty, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator are produced. Ford responded by calling the UAW’s move “grossly irresponsible.”

UAW President Shawn Fain indicated that the strike would enter a more aggressive phase. Currently, about 34,000 union members are on strike, and an update on the negotiations is expected on Friday.

Stellantis is the only automaker to announce the cancellation of its plans to attend these shows. The LA Auto Show will open to the public on November 17, while the 2023 SEMA Show will begin on Halloween with a display of vehicles featuring various aftermarket parts and accessories.

Image: Mopar and Jeep at the 2019 SEMA Show

Motorsport

The New Twin-Turbo Hurricane Straight-Six Engine Will Have Over 520 HP, Replacing the Hellcat

In March 2022, Stellantis announced a new twin-turbo, inline-six engine called the “Hurricane” as a replacement for the HEMI V8. This engine comes in two versions: a Standard Output (SO) with over 400 horsepower and a High Output (HO) with more than 500 hp. But it seems there’s an even more powerful variant in development.

During a recent conference in Detroit, Stellantis discussed its plans for further electrification while also mentioning ongoing investments in internal combustion engines. Michael Bly, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Propulsion Systems, confirmed that a more powerful version of the Hurricane engine is in the works, although specific details have not been released yet.

According to insider information reported by Automotive News, the high-performance variant of the Hurricane engine is expected to produce around 520 hp, making it even more potent than the current HO version. If Stellantis decides to continue producing gasoline-powered muscle cars like the Charger, it’s possible that this top-tier Hurricane engine will find its way under the hood.

In addition to the six-cylinder Hurricane engine, Stellantis also has plans for smaller variants. Bly revealed that a downsized four-cylinder version with a 2.0-liter displacement is in the pipeline. Furthermore, a three-cylinder engine derived from an existing European model is also on the agenda. Stellantis already offers a turbocharged 1.2-liter PureTech engine for various models in Europe, ranging from small cars like the Peugeot 208 to larger vehicles like the 508 midsize sedan/wagon.

Despite the introduction of the Hurricane engine, Stellantis has no plans to replace its Pentastar V6. Bly emphasized that the company will continue investing in this engine since it is known for its quality, reliability, and affordability. However, he did mention that the V6 will be electrified in the near future, aligning with Stellantis’ commitment to embracing electrification across its vehicle lineup.

News

Stellantis Aims to Surpass Ford as the Leader in Vans and Pick-ups by 2027

Stellantis has announced its ambition to become the global leader in light commercial vehicles (LCVs) by 2027, surpassing its rival Ford.

The multinational company plans to increase its sales of vans and pick-up trucks from 1.6 million globally in the previous year to around two million in 2027, which is expected to be enough to surpass Ford.

During an event outlining the company’s future strategy in the market segment, Stellantis LCV boss Jean-Philippe Imparato stated, “If you want to be number one, you have to beat Ford.”

As part of its focus on vans, Stellantis has rebranded its commercial business unit as Pro One.

Motorsport

Stellantis Planning Seven Affordable Cars on New Platform to Compete with Chinese Rivals

Stellantis is working on four different platforms to accommodate a range of electric cars. These include STLA Small, STLA Medium, and STLA Large, which are designed with unibody architectures and offer various options such as multiple battery packs and front-, rear-, and all-wheel drive configurations. Additionally, there’s STLA Frame, which will serve as the foundation for more rugged body-on-frame trucks and SUVs. Stellantis states that each platform has the capacity to produce up to two million vehicles per year.

While the Citroën e-C3 was recently unveiled, the French automaker announced that this compact and stylish hatchback does not utilize any of the four STLA platforms. Instead, it will be built on a fifth platform specifically designed for Europe, as well as for region-specific models intended for sale in South America and India. Renaud Tourte, the executive overseeing Smart Car, has confirmed that approximately seven cars are currently being developed using this particular platform.


Motorsport

New Global Vans And Mystery Ram Trucks Headline Stellantis Commercial Push

Stellantis, the multinational automotive company, is set to reveal its new global van lineup later this month. The company plans to introduce “reimagined” commercial vehicles from several brands under its corporate umbrella.

The presentation on October 23 will be led by Jean-Philippe Imparato, the head of Stellantis’ Commercial Vehicles Business Unit, and Xavier Peugeot, the Senior VP of Commercial Vehicles Business Unit. The event will also feature the CEOs of Citroen, Fiat, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, and Vauxhall, who will join in for “key product unveilings.”