Stellantis reveals multi-energy platform for next-gen Ram, Jeep vehicles
The STLA Frame can accommodate ICE, HEV, REEV, and BEV applications
Stellantis may be experiencing tough times due to slow sales, but that hasn't stopped the company from releasing a new platform that can underpin various types of vehicles and powertrains. Recently making its debut is the all-new Stellantis STLA Frame, a new multi-energy, body-on-frame platform designed for full-size trucks and SUVs.
As mentioned earlier, the STLA Frame can support internal combustion engines (ICEs), battery electric vehicles (BEVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), hydrogen fuel cells (FCEVs), and range extender electric vehicles (REEVs). This makes the scalable platform not only versatile but also delivers best-in-class of up to 1,100 km range with REEV technology and up to 800 km with BEV powertrains. Moreover, Stellantis claims the STLA Frame has a payload capacity of up to 1,224 kg and a 6,350 towing capacity.
The STLA Frame is intended to underpin full-size pickups, light commercial vehicles (LCVs), and full-size SUVs under the Ram and Jeep brands. For the REEV application, it combines a battery, front & rear electric drive modules (EDMs), an onboard generator, and an internal combustion engine. This will allow drivers to tow heavy loads over long distances without sacrificing range. Since there's no direct mechanical path from the engine to the wheels, the EDMs can propel the vehicle and recharge the battery without resorting to a complex system.
The frame itself is made from high-strength steel which is set to deliver improved durability and rigidity with less weight. The center section houses the battery pack and comes with reinforced rails that protect the battery in the event of a side impact. It also has a full-length belly pan that reduces aerodynamic drag to help maximize range. It can also accommodate liquid-cooled battery packs ranging from 159 to more than 200 kWh which will allow vehicles to go the distance.
In BEV applications, the system supports an 800V DC fast charging system which has a recharge rate of up to 350 kW. Stellantis claims this can give an STLA Frame BEV a range of up to 160 km in just 10 minutes of charge. Meanwhile, REEVs can get up to 80 km of range after a quick 10-minute charge with a 400V architecture that can support up to 175 kW of DC fast charging. In addition, the STLA Frame comes with bi-directional charging which gives it vehicle-to-load (V2L) and vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) features.
“Like STLA Medium and STLA Large, STLA Frame combines an unprecedented range with new levels of capability and performance to offer best-in-class range, payload, and towing for our customers who need reliable and powerful trucks and SUVs, to haul their families or power their businesses. With full EV and extended-range EV tech coming soon, we’re bringing ‘no compromise’ solutions to buyers who may be hesitant on trying their first electric vehicle. We’re proud of this engineering marvel and look forward to seeing it come to life in our upcoming product blitz on Jeep and Ram,” said Carlos Tavares, CEO of Stellantis.
With Stellantis taking on a multi-energy direction, the STLA frame could prove popular to customers who still want a Ram or Jeep but come with the benefit of choosing what type of propulsion a customer wants.
