Stellantis Releases More Information on STLA Technology and Services for 2025
Ever since Stellantis announced its Dare Forward 2030 business strategy, the automotive group has been working with Amazon to turn the interior cabin into a digital lounge for consumers. Starting from new battery-electric vehicle platforms, such as the STLA Large platform used for the new generation of the 2025 Dodge Charger, to the STLA SmartCockpit we first saw in the Chrysler Airflow concept. There has been little talk of the STLA SmartCockpit, let alone the additional STLA features such as the STLA Brain and STLA AutoDrive. Well, have no fear, because Stellantis is finally talking about all three, along with a suite of new features that will be coming to new models in the near future.
“In a little more than two years we have made a decisive shift from a traditional auto industry mindset to operating much more like a startup company, including a sharp focus on speed and building up our own software creation capabilities. It gives us critical flexibility and a competitive advantage going forward…Now we take the next step and begin scaling up, which includes the tech readiness for integration of our transformative STLA Brain, STLA SmartCockpit and STLA AutoDrive AI-powered technology platforms.” – Yves Bonnefont, Stellantis Chief Software Officer
STLA Brain
More or less the brains of the operation, pun intended, the STLA Brain is the foundational architecture of upcoming Stellantis model interiors. Thanks to over-the-air (OTA) updates, the STLA Brain will be upgraded over time, and can add new in-house developed apps in as little as six months from its official release. Basically a computer, the STLA Brain reduces the complexity of vehicle operation today. Software-defined vehicles are the new thing, with vehicles run by operating systems and not just mechanical engineering. The STLA Brain will be able to reduce the number of electronic control units (ECUs) in a car needed to run things by half with the integration of new technology by 2025.
STLA SmartCockpit
We got a first look at this with the initial Chrysler Airflow concept, and it seemed like SmartCockpit would be the jumping-off point for Stellantis connected services. Using Amazon products and solutions, consumers would be able to curate and customize their in-car experience with a new app store and artificial intelligence. Powered by machine learning and AI technologies, consumers can integrate their digital lives into their automobiles, and simplify the driver-vehicle experience with voice commands and AI-enabled experiences for controlling navigation, media, climate, lighting, and more. We’ll get an even better look in 2025.
STLA AutoDrive
Ah, the bane of all automakers everywhere. Getting any vehicle up to the task of handling Level 5 or even Level 4 autonomy is a hard order to full. We won’t be seeing anything like that in Stellantis vehicles just yet, but the Chrysler Halcyon concept definitely thinks it’s up to the task. Until then, STLA AutoDrive will be implementing Advanced Driver Assistance System technology to provide consumers with Level 2 autonomy. This means drivers can ease up a bit with limited hands-off/eyes-off-the-road mobility and cruising. This will also launch in 2025.
Connected Services
Launching along with STLA technology, new apps and services will be introduced in new and upcoming models. These include e-ROUTES, a route-planning smartphone app integrated with real-time vehicle data that can be projected to the vehicle’s touchscreen, and will add charge stops for battery-electric vehicle (BEV) models. A ChatGPT-enhanced virtual assistant joins the ranks, already tested as a pilot in 2023. Able to converse in a natural language, this AI goes beyond the monotone commands used for smart speakers like Amazon Alexa and Google Home. Consumers will actually be able to talk to their cars. As mentioned, consumers will be able to customize their vehicles more thoroughly with an app store called AppMarket. A central hub for connectivity, consumers will have access to services and experiences via subscriptions to the AppMarket. There’s always a catch.
There are also features popping up for commercial businesses and fleet managers. We’ve heard of some of these before, such as MyTasks which helps fleet managers keep an eye on schedules and delivers, able to get automatic updates when tasks are completed, delayed, and/or rescheduled. There will also be a fleet management platform, Free2move Connect Fleet that helps fleet managers stay connected to their vehicles with real-time visibility and an online feature for monitoring vehicle health data such as oil life remaining or battery state of charge. Then, there is Mobilisights. This one leverages data from 13.8 million connected Stellantis vehicles to provide fleet managers with greater insight into driver experience, traffic management, and urban planning for smarter and safer transportation.
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