Stellantis is focusing heavily on hybrid
From Fiat to Maserati: 36 series are partially electrified
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From 2030, Stellantis plans to only offer electric cars in Europe. But until then, the car manufacturer with its many brands wants to continue to sell a lot of petrol cars that run on at least a little electricity. This means more weight and higher costs – but consumption will be lower.
The multi-brand group Stellantis will be significantly expanding its range of car models with hybrid drives in the near future. This year, a total of 30 series with the new drive solution, which combines a 1.2-liter gasoline engine with a 21 kW/28 hp electric motor and a 0.9 kWh 48-volt battery, will be available in the EU markets. A further six series are to follow by 2026. With a few exceptions with an optional manual transmission, the hybrid system will be combined with the latest eDCT generation, a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. According to Francesco Cimmino, chief engineer for hybrid drive systems at Stellantis, this transmission will be the heart of the drive package.
The DCT hybrid technology combines a 1.2-liter gasoline engine, a 21 kW electric motor, a 0.9 kWh battery under the driver's seat and a dual-clutch transmission.
(Photo: Stellantis)
Is it a mild or full hybrid drive? 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-positioned plug-in hybrids with high-voltage electric technology and adapted eDCT with an electric range of over 80 kilometers. The less complex 48-volt hybrid system allows sailing up to 130 km/h and purely electric driving for up to one kilometer.
More technology – more weight, more costs, less fuel
The additional technology adds a little more than 100 kilograms to the vehicles compared to classic petrol engines. An Opel Corsa Hybrid therefore has a total weight of just over 1.2 tons. In return, the additional technology ensures fuel consumption is up to 20 percent lower. According to Cimmino, it is a “right-size solution”.
However, this imposes additional costs on the customer. According to Müller, it is around 2000 euros compared to the basic petrol engine. In return, the buyer receives a self-shifting gearbox, E-Boost and the aforementioned reduction in consumption. Initially, models in the B, C and lower D segments will be offered with the hybrid drive. Later, the drive technology could 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 percent expected
Stellantis expects its hybrid sales to increase by 41 percent this year compared to 2023. The global car company estimates the capacity of a total of 11 production sites involved at around 1.2 million eDCTs.
Stellantis' hybrid offensive is also a clear commitment to selling gasoline engines in the coming years. This is a response to the high demand for hybrid models from customers. At the same time, Müller emphasizes that Stellantis will continue to adhere to its electrification goals, CO2 reduction targets and the expansion of the BEV range. Accordingly, by 2030, all passenger car sales in Europe and 50 percent of sales of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles in the USA are to be BEVs.
