Dive Brief:
- Stellantis unveiled a new global electric vehicle platform on Friday, which will serve as the foundation for its full-size battery-electric vehicles, the company announced in a press release.
- The platform, dubbed STLA Large, includes 85 to 118 kWh battery packs and uses optional 400- and 800-volt architectures for quick charging and driving ranges up to 500 miles.
- The automaker plans to launch eight new vehicles on the STLA Large platform across its other brands from 2024-2026, including Alfa Romeo, Chrysler and Maserati.
Dive Insight:
Stellantis joins General Motors and Volkswagen in developing dedicated EV platforms to support a variety of vehicle configurations and body types. The STLA Large is one of four global platforms underpinning future Stellantis EVs beginning this year, including an electric Jeep and Dodge model for North America.
The automaker unveiled its smaller STLA Medium platform last summer, which the company said will be the foundation for up to 2 million EVs. The STLA Medium platform supports front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive vehicle configurations with driving ranges between 310 and 435 miles.
The STLA Large platform’s modular design allows Stellantis to reduce costs, streamline manufacturing and improve scalability, the company said. The flexible platform includes a base set of core components that can be shared across different vehicle models, including cars, crossovers and SUVs in the D and E vehicle segments.
“The flexibility and agility of this platform is its hallmark and will be a driving force for our success in the shift to electrification in North America,” said Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares in a statement.
The STLA Large platform includes three-in-one electric drive modules that incorporate the motor, power inverter and gear reduction, which can be configured for front-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive EVs.The platform’s components aim to maximize a vehicle’s interior space and storage.
The platform’s power inverter uses silicon carbide semiconductors to minimize power losses, according to Stellantis. In addition, the performance of the electric powertrain can be upgraded via over-the-air software updates. The 800-volt architecture option for the STLA Large platform allows for fast charging of up to 4.5 kWh per minute.
The STLA Large platform will be built using cost-efficient manufacturing processes that can be shared across Stellantis’ global manufacturing facilities, the automaker said.
Stellantis engineers can also modify the STLA Large platform depending on the vehicle. This includes adjusting the wheelbase, length, width, height and ground clearance. It also supports a variety of suspension modules and powertrain cradles allowing Stellantis engineers to meet various ride, handling and comfort objectives.
The automaker said it would tailor the STLA Large platform based on customer preferences, which include luxury and family-oriented vehicles, high-performance models, or adding off-road capabilities for SUVs.
STLA Large also supports vehicles using hybrid and internal combustion powertrains, serving as a bridge for Stellantis as it transitions to building more EVs and as charging infrastructure is more widely available.
Stellantis is targeting sales of 5 million EVs globally by 2030, which includes 75 models across its Fiat, Jeep, Chrysler, Peugeot, Dodge, Ram and Alfa Romeo brands. Stellantis plans to have 48 BEVs on the market globally by 2024.
