Global automaker Stellantis this week highlighted the new frame that will underpin its next generation of trucks and SUVs as it prepares to launch products designed, developed and engineered specifically for North American customers.
The Ram and Jeep will be the first to use the new STLA frame, the third new platform from Stellantis in three years. Like the STLA Large, it will be “predominantly used” in North America. It was also built in North America, which has the most experience with body-on-frame truck platforms.
The new STLA frame can vary in size depending on the company’s needs. Full-size Jeeps like the Wagoneer and Ram trucks will get it first, but it could shrink to the same wheelbase as a midsize pickup like the Ford Ranger or Toyota Tacoma.
It also accepts several forms of powertrain, including future considerations of hydrogen, battery electric setups, and internal combustion engines. It also fits many sizes of electric motors.
“The STLA Frame carries the best of our body technology and know-how for the future, we intend to support standard pickups, utility vehicles and SUVs and is able to support our flexible multi-energy strategy, which is perfectly suited to the very uncertain environment in which we operate, the potential of this platform is huge,” Carlos Tavares, CEO of Stellantis, told reporters at a press conference.
Stellantis
The company claims that with a battery electric vehicle, the platform is good for 500 miles of range, while a vehicle with a range extender like the new RamCharger will be good for nearly 700 miles without refueling/recharging. However, the architecture is only the bottom pieces. Aerodynamics, optional extras and weight are the main factors when considering range.
The REEV (Extended Electric Vehicle) system, like the RamCharger, consists of a battery, front and rear electric drive motors, and an on-board generator/combustion engine. The motor/generator never drives the wheels, it just creates electricity for the motors.
All STLA Frame vehicles will have all-wheel drive.
The STLA Frame features a 400-volt and 800-volt electric vehicle architecture that allows its battery to charge at speeds of up to 350 kilowatts, which can add 100 miles in just 10 minutes under ideal charging conditions.
Trucks that use the frame will be able to tow up to a truck capable of towing 14,000 pounds when properly equipped, with a payload value of 2,700 pounds for electric and REEV models.
“The StLA Frame, like the STLA Medium and STLA Large, combines an unprecedented range with new levels of capability and performance to offer best-in-class range, payload and towing equipment for our customers who need reliable and powerful trucks and SUVs to transporting their families or powering their businesses,” Tavares said in a press release.
“We are proud of this engineering marvel and look forward to seeing it come to life in our upcoming Jeep and Ram product blitz,” he said.
Stellantis
Stellantis says it will fit battery packs from 159 to 250 kilowatt hours, and with its own motors it can propel the vehicle to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. It can also accept various suspensions, including air propulsion, and ford water more than 20 inches deep.
Tavares reiterated that Stellantis still plans to be carbon neutral by 2038, and these multi-drive platforms are a way to adapt to customer needs. They will also help ensure affordability for various forms of EVs, which he believes is the only way they can seriously take off.
“We are well positioned to adapt to very different market conditions or regulatory circumstances. From that perspective, the multi-energy characteristic is great. Then we have a very clear position as a company, which I think is very ethical for our company.” children and our grandchildren, which is to help solve the problem of global warming,” said Tavares.
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Stellantis lags behind General Motors, but has a smart strategy
General Motors has launched a number of battery-electric trucks and SUVs in the past few years, while Stellantis has been sorting out its next steps. In the end, it may look a bit like a tortoise and a hare, as GM works to fit a slow-growing American customer base into plans that have been heavy on battery electric vehicles. Stellantis has taken a slower approach and, like Mercedes-Benz, is working to streamline vehicle assemblies with frames that can accommodate multiple powertrains.
“It depends on whether there are enough customers to buy zero-emission vehicles, and if there are, then we’re fine. We’ll be where we expect it to be. If we see that there aren’t enough customers to buy electric vehicles, then we’ll see , what options will we have,” he said.
