From Fiat to Maserati: 36 series will be electrified
From the year 2030, Stellantis will only offer electric vehicles in Europe. But until then, the automaker intends to sell many combustion engines with at least some electric capability. This brings more weight and higher costs, but consumption decreases.
The multi-brand group Stellantis will significantly expand its PCW model range with hybrid powertrains in the near future. A total of 30 series will be available in the EU markets this year, featuring a 1.2-liter gasoline engine combined with a 21 kW/28 PS electric motor and a 0.9 kWh 48-volt battery. Six more series will follow by 2026. Except for a few exceptions with manual transmission options, this hybrid system will be coupled with the latest eDCT generation, a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. According to Francesco Cimmino, Stellantis' Chief Engineer for Hybrid Drive Systems, this transmission will be the heart of the powertrain.
Is it a mild or full hybrid system? Christian Müller, responsible for SVP Propulsion Systems EMEA and Joint-Venture Coordination at Stellantis, leaves out the prefixes and speaks of a hybrid. As an alternative in the hybrid portfolio, Stellantis will also offer higher-end plug-in hybrids with high-voltage technology and adapted eDCT with over 80 kilometers of electric range. The less complex 48-volt hybrid system allows for sailing up to 130 km/h and up to one kilometer of pure electric driving.
More Technology - More Weight, More Costs, Less Fuel
The additional technology adds some weight over classical gasoline engines, amounting to over 100 kilograms. An Opel Corsa Hybrid, for instance, comes in at around 1.2 metric tons total weight. In exchange, the added technology results in a fuel consumption reduction of up to 20%. According to Cimmino, this is a "Rightsize Solution."
This necessitates additional costs for the customer. According to Müller, this amounts to approximately 2,000 euros compared to the base gasoline engine. In return, the buyer receives a automatic transmission, E-Boost, and the aforementioned fuel consumption reduction. Initially, models in the B-, C-, and lower D-segments will be offered with the hybrid drive. Later, the technology may also be used in smaller series. The series include Alfa Romeo Junior/Tonale, all versions of Citroen C3, C4, and C5, DS 3 and 4, Fiat Panda and 600, Jeep Avenger, Renegade, and Compass, Lancia Ypsilon, Maserati Grecale, Opel Corsa, Astra, Mokka, Frontera, and Grandland, as well as Peugeot 208, 308, 408, 2008, 3008, and 5008.
Sales increase of 41% expected
Stellantis expects a sales increase of 41% for its hybrid sales this year compared to 2023. The global automaker has a capacity of around 1.2 million eDCTs from the 11 involved production sites.
Stellantis' hybrid offensive is also a clear statement that the company intends to sell gasoline engines in the coming years. This is a response to the high demand for hybrid models from the customer side. At the same time, Müller emphasizes that Stellantis will continue to adhere to its electrification goals, CO2 reduction goals, and the expansion of the BEV offering. Accordingly, all PCW sales in Europe and 50% of PCW and LCV sales in the USA should be BEVs by 2030.
Stellantis' hybrid expansion includes models like the Peugeot 2008 and 3008, Opel Astra, Mokka, and Grandland, along with Fiat Panda and 600, indicating that multiple brands under Stellantis are investing in hybrid technology. Besides these, electric vehicles will be the sole offering in Europe from Stellantis starting 2030, but until then, hybrid models with reduced fuel consumption will be sold. The Alfa Romeo Junior/Tonale and Citroen C3, C4, and C5 series are among those set to benefit from this hybrid technology. Furthermore, Stellantis is anticipating a 41% increase in hybrid sales in 2023 compared to 2022.
Hybrid models such as the Opel Corsa Hybrid have a weight increase of over 100 kilograms due to the additional technology, but this leads to a fuel consumption reduction of up to 20%. Automakers like Stellantis are offering alternatives, such as higher-end plug-in hybrids with over 80 kilometers of electric range, which are also part of the company's hybrid portfolio. Lastly, Massarati's Grecale is also among the models that will be offered in hybrid versions, showcasing Stellantis' commitment to offering hybrid technology across its various brands.
