Stellantis Invests $155 Million into New Electric Drive Module for Future BEVs
In 2021, automotive group Stellantis announced that it would soon be moving its resources towards more battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and alternative fuel sources. Then in 2022, Stellantis announced its new business strategy, Dare Forward 2030. The tease of an all-electric Jeep popped up, and the new Ram 1500 REV made its grand debut, showing up at many auto shows, the 2023 Chicago Auto Show included. Also during Dare Forward 2030, we learned how Stellantis and Amazon are working together to revolutionize the interior cabin of automobiles with the STLA SmartCockpit. With new STLA frames and bodies being developed for future models, Stellantis recently invested $155 Million into three Indiana manufacturing plants to push forward its production of a new electric drive module (EDM).
“While we continue our successful transition to a decarbonized future in our European operations, we are now setting those same foundational elements for the North American market…By combining the benefits of the EDM with our new BEV-centric platforms and innovative battery technologies, we will offer our customers a variety of electric vehicles with unparalleled performance and range at more affordable prices. And with our in-house manufacturing capabilities and expertise, we will do it with greater flexibility and efficiency. – Carlos Tavares, Stellantis CEO
We got out first look at what the SmartCockpit could entail with the Chrysler Airflow Concept during the 2022 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), and again during the 2023 CES when we saw the STLA SmartCockpit was capable of. Called “Chrysler Synthesis”, the SmartCockpit is an assortment of technologies working together, from a virtual assistant to (eventually) higher levels of autonomy. The car of tomorrow could be more akin to a lounge on wheels and less like a motor vehicle. Whether consumers need to stay on time for a video conference, are looking for a place to charge up and grab a bite to eat, or simply contacting their smart speaker from the interior cabin of the vehicle, the STLA SmartCockpit makes it all possible, and with fully Over-the-Air (OTA) capable platform (the STLA Brain), new features can be added seamlessly with software updates.
The new EDM Stellantis is investing in is an all-in-one solution for BEV powertrains. Made up of three main components – the electric motor, power electronics, and transmission – this EDM will serve as the basis for upcoming STLA Large and STLA Frame platforms. Many if not all future models from Stellantis are said to run on one of these platforms, with the STLA L-Series already in production at the Windsor, Ontario, Canada Assembly Plant. By combining three main components into a single module, performance and range will not only improve but can be offered at a more competitive cost. With the rising price of resources and materials for BEVs, this can help Stellantis get a leg up in the market as BEVs start to grow in popularity. The estimated range of the new EDM is up to 500 miles, an accomplishment on its own.
Since 2020, Stellantis has invested nearly $3.3 billion in Indiana plants to support its transition to BEV models. This includes the $643 million investment to produce a new engine for upcoming PHEV applications. It’s all in the name of carbon neutrality, with the goal to achieve net-zero carbon by 2038. Just one of the many other goals set forth by the Dare Forward 2030 business strategy.
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