FYI: Stellantis unveils its versatile STLA Frame platform, promising a new era of powertrain flexibility and adventure readiness.
Stellantis Revolutionizes Vehicle Platforms with STLA Frame
Stellantis, the multinational automotive giant, is steering towards a transformative future with its newly introduced STLA Frame platform. Designed to support a diverse array of powertrains—from electrics to hydrogen—this platform underscores Stellantis’ commitment to pioneering adaptable vehicular technologies.
A Platform Built for Versatility
At its core, the STLA Frame is tailored for large-scale ladder-frame pick-up trucks and SUVs. Flexibility is its hallmark, enabling multiple drivetrain options: Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), Extended Range Electric Vehicles (EREV), and potentially, internal combustion and hydrogen systems in forthcoming versions. The range? Up to 500 miles for BEVs and an impressive 690 miles for EREVs—making it a formidable contender in the sustainability race.
Understanding EREV Dynamics
What sets Extended Range Electric Vehicles apart is their symbiotic powerway. EREVs harmoniously combine a substantial battery and electric motors with a traditional combustion engine, the latter serving as a battery charger, preserving the wheels’ electric operation. This blend might be catching the wind, as brands like Hyundai and Scout Motors venture into similar territories.
Heavy-Duty Capabilities and Efficient Charging
The STLA Frame platform also boasts capabilities essential for heavy-duty applications. With a towing capacity of 14,000 pounds and a payload of 2,700 pounds, it’s robust for the challenges of modern-day utility. It supports vast battery capacities, ranging from 159 kWh to more than 200 kWh, ensuring power for extended adventures.
Charging is swift and accessible: 800-volt architecture powers BEVs, adding 100 miles in just 10 minutes with a 350-kilowatt DC fast charger. EREVs run on a 400-volt system, offering a 50-mile boost in a similar timeframe. Both systems facilitate bi-directional charging, an innovation that enables power redistribution among grids, homes, or even other electric vehicles.
Upcoming Models to Watch
The 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger, leveraging the STLA Frame, is anticipated to hit U.S. markets in early 2025. There’s excitement around which Jeep models will use this versatile frame, with whispers of potential configurations for the next-generation Wagoneer. Stellantis also hints at future electric innovations reminiscent of the iconic Wrangler and Renegade.
Strategic Vision and Market Context
In an era marked by rapidly increasing hybrid sales and BEV challenges in heavy-duty conditions, Stellantis looks poised to capture emerging opportunities. This decision aligns with likely policy shifts in the coming years, making powertrain diversity not just strategic but essential.
Carlos Tavares, CEO of Stellantis, encapsulated their mission saying, "We take pride in this engineering cornerstone as we prepare for an exciting production phase featuring Jeep and Ram."
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Authored by William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi.
