Stellantis N.V. recently unveiled STLA Large, its all-new, highly flexible, BEV-native platform that is the foundation for a range of upcoming vehicles for global markets in the D and E segments. The platform enables several segment-leading capabilities including embedded energy, charging efficiency, high-performance vehicle dynamics, and trail-rated off-road driving.
Full-size vehicles based on STLA Large are the core of customer demand in prime global markets. They will be used first in the North American market on Dodge and Jeep brands, followed by other brands including Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, and Maserati. There will be eight vehicles launched from 2024-2026.
The upcoming products will cover a full spectrum of vehicle types, from cars to crossovers to SUVs, all of which will give customers the electric propulsion benefits of instant torque response combined with zero emissions. Brand-specific product announcements will begin this year.
“Our goals for our STLA platforms are ambitious but this is what our customers need from us today,” Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares said. “Creating a family of vehicles from a well-engineered set of components that is flexible enough to cover multiple vehicle types and propulsions, overperforming any of our current products, will address each of our iconic brands’ customers. The flexibility and agility of this platform is its hallmark and will be a driving force for our success in the shift to electrification in North America.”
Engineered with flexibility
The platform’s inherent flexibility enables engineers and designers to adjust the wheelbase, overall length, overall width and height, and ground clearance. A variety of suspension modules and powertrain cradles can be employed to suit vehicle specific performance objectives that include ride, handling, and comfort.
Engineers can adjust key dimensions, such as the front spindle to the driver foot, the front and rear overhang, or the passenger compartment floor, to fine-tune vehicle capabilities, and performance.
Employing advanced high-strength materials, the platform is optimized for weight and rigidity to enable best-in-class performance across the spectrum of vehicle types. Components within the platform are packaged to maximize usable interior space and storage. Key comfort and performance components, such as the cabin heating/cooling system, steering, braking assist and propulsion are designed to minimize energy consumption to enhance driving range.
The flexibility includes the unibody platform’s propulsion systems. STLA Large is designed and engineered as a native BEV platform with the option of 400 and 800-volt electric architectures. Three-in-one electric drive modules (EDMs) that incorporate the motor, power inverter, and gear reduction can be configured in front, rear, and all-wheel-drive layouts.
The power inverter employs silicon-carbide semiconductor technology to minimize power losses. Propulsion system performance can be upgraded during the vehicle’s lifespan via over-the-air software updates.
Based on specific vehicle objectives, STLA Large accepts drivetrain enhancements such as limited slip differentials or wheel end disconnects that can improve performance or reduce mechanical drag to improve efficiency and range. Overall, the STLA Large platform has the potential to carry extreme power that will outperform any of the existing Hellcat V-8s.
Embracing the importance of balancing driving range and cost, the platform initially includes battery pack options with energy ratings between 85 and 118 kilowatt hours (kWh). STLA Large targets an overall range of 800 km/500 miles for sedans and is engineered to easily accept future energy storage technologies when they reach production readiness.
The initial generation of propulsion components holds the potential to deliver acceleration of 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in the twi-second range. Fast charging will add up to 4.5 kWh per minute to the 800-volt battery pack.
Learn more here.
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