Multinational automaker Stellantis announced plans to equip its future small- and medium-sized with a new architecture that supports a driving range of up to 435 miles (700 kilometers) per charge. Excitingly, the automaker aims to launch these next-gen EVs as early as 2024.
Stellantis made the announcement Wednesday while introducing the new medium-sized platform primarily to support battery packs and electric drive trains. The company claims that the EVs equipped with the new STLA platform will beat the compact and midsize segments’ current standard range of around 300 miles.
Stellantis to launch a minimum of 47 EVs in the global market by 2024
Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares disclosed that the company aims to launch at least 47 new EVs globally by the end of 2024. However, he omitted to discuss more details about the planned models, saying that specifics will occur “later in the year.”
Associated Press reported that the first model to use the new platform will be the Peugeot 3008’s revamped version, which will arrive by late 2023.
Apart from the higher range variants, the new EVs will also feature a lower-range standard battery pack that enables over 310 miles (500 kilometers) driving range between charges.
The company also noted that the new EVs would sell under Peugeot, Opel, Lancia, and Chrysler brands.
In addition, CEO Tavares disclosed the company’s target of producing up to 2 million EVs annually with the new platform. Notably, Stellantis will bring its production to various factories in France, Italy, Germany, and North America.
Stellantis to compete with Chinese brands in the European market
Another development worth mentioning is Stellantis’ plan to produce smaller EVs with prices under 25,000 euros ($27,153), which will also ride on the new platform. These EV models will apparently sell in Southeast Asia and possibly in lower-cost European markets to compete with Chinese brands.
CEO Tavares further emphasized that all the brand’s France factories produce EVs with higher profit margins to pay for higher variable costs.
“If we want to fight against our Chinese competitors, we need to make sure that we can use the same recipes as what they are using.
Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares
According to the Chief Executive, the production of EVs costs 40% higher than ICEs on average. Therefore, the company must cut costs to maintain its products’ affordability for middle-class customers, ensuring profitability.
Interestingly, the automaker asserted that the new medium platform applies to off-road models like Jeep. However, it can also support ICE vehicles, but not as ideal as EVs.
It is also worth noting that the new medium platform is the first of the company’s four planned underpinnings to support modular EVs. The other three include medium, large, and frame.
See Also:
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- VW’s Scout recruits key Stellantis designer for its rugged e-truck and SUV endeavors
- Stellantis, Mercedes, and TotalEnergies launch the first EV battery factory in France
Stellantis’ development of new vehicle platforms will certainly aid the company in achieving its target of selling 2 million units annually for its next-gen EVs. In effect, it will further boost the adoption of EVs, considering the automaker’s global reach.
