Stellantis is investing hundreds of thousands in modern wind tunnel know-how at its Michigan middle. The corporate believes the brand new tech might help enhance the driving vary for upcoming EV fashions from Jeep, Dodge, and different Stellantis manufacturers.
Stellantis unveiled its new Modern Floor Airplane (MPG) know-how this week. The corporate invested $29.5 million into its analysis and technical middle in Auburn Hills, Michigan.
With an upgraded wind tunnel, Stellantis stated its new tech can optimize airflow resistance from wheels and tires, which is usually a main drag (as much as 10%) on aerodynamics.
The upgrades allow autos to stay in place, whereas belts suspended by cushions of air allow all 4 wheels to maneuver. A fifth belt runs beneath the automobile to imitate on-road journey.
By optimizing airflow and enhancing aerodynamics, Stellantis hopes to unlock longer EV driving vary for upcoming fashions. It will probably additionally scale back the necessity for large, heavy batteries, which is able to enhance prices and result in much more driving vary on a single cost.
In accordance with Mark Champine, senior vice chairman and head of Stellantis North America engineering technical facilities, EV vary is a “core consideration” for these trying to go electrical. “That’s what makes this funding so important.”
Champine defined, “By decreasing drag, we enhance electric-vehicle vary and, finally, the general buyer driving expertise.”
The corporate stated its new MGP tech will “profit a number of Stellantis manufacturers, no matter the place they’re bought.”
Stellantis to spice up future Jeep, Dodge EV driving vary
Jeep, Ram, and Dodge are launching their first electrical autos within the US later this 12 months as Stellantis seems to be to reverse slumping gross sales.
Ram’s first electrical pickup, the 1500 REV, might be constructed on the Sterling Heights Meeting Plant (SHAP). It will likely be the primary Stellantis Plant to construct an all-electric automobile automobile. Ram’s EV pickup is due out later this 12 months.
The 2025 Ram 1500 REV is predicted to have over 350 miles driving vary with a regular 168 kWh battery pack. The corporate stated a large 229 kWh battery choice might be out there, enabling as much as 500 miles of driving vary.
The Jeep Wagoneer S, which might be constructed on the Warren Truck Meeting Plant, will begin at $71,995. It will likely be out there at US dealerships this fall.
Powered by a 100 kWh battery pack, Jeep’s luxurious electrical SUV has a driving vary of over 300 miles. It’s already essentially the most aerodynamic Jeep SUV, with a Cd of 0.29. Subsequent 12 months, the SUV maker will introduce its Wrangler-inspired Recon electrical SUV.
| 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona EV trim | Horsepower | 0 to 60 mph time | Beginning worth |
| Dodge Charger Daytona R/T | 496 hp | 4.7 seconds | $59,995 |
| Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack | 670 hp | 3.3 seconds | $73,190 |
Final month, Dodge opened orders for its first electrical muscle automobile, the 2024 Charger Daytona EV. Beginning at $59,995, the bottom R/T mannequin options 496 hp for a 0 to 60 mph time in 4.7 seconds.
The Scat Pack mannequin, which retains the Charger’s standing as “the world’s quickest and strongest muscle automobile,” packs 670 hp, good for a 0 to 60 mph dash in 3.3 seconds.
Powered by a 100.5 kWh battery the electrical Dodge Charger is predicted to recover from 317 miles driving vary. The Scat Pack mannequin will get as much as 260 miles vary.
Stellantis introduced on Wednesday that the electrical Charger might be its first automobile to be outfitted with solid-state EV batteries in 2026. The brand new know-how guarantees to ship extra driving vary at a decrease price.
As a part of its Dare Ahead 2030 technique, Stellantis goals for 50% of US and 100% of European gross sales to be all-electric by 2030. By then, the corporate needs 75 EVs on the street throughout its manufacturers, accounting for 5 million automobile gross sales yearly.
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