Stellantis introduces ‘most flexible BEV-native platform'

MANILA: Stellantis — company that runs Dodge, Jeep, Maserati, Peugeot, and Ram — has introduced STLA Large, a new, highly configurable, battery electric vehicle (BEV)-native platform that will serve as the foundation for upcoming D- and E-segment cars for global markets.

A wide range of industry-first features are made possible by the platform, including embedded energy, efficient charging, high-performance vehicle dynamics, and Trail Rated off-road driving.

In North America, the Dodge and Jeep brands will be the first to adopt this platform, followed by Maserati and other Stellantis brands. Eight vehicles built on the platform will be launched starting this year until 2026.

As the “most flexible BEV-native platform in the industry,” the STLA Large boasts resilient and practical production methods that can be replicated across multiple assembly plants, as well as unmatched technological flexibility that allows for increased vehicle diversity, top-notch quality, and customer satisfaction from a base set of components.

The range of vehicle types that will be covered includes sedans, crossovers, and sport utility vehicles. All of these will deliver the instant torque response and zero emissions that come with electric propulsion. Brand-specific product launches will start this year.

“Our goals for our STLA platforms are ambitious but this is what our customers need from us today. 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,” Stellantis Chief Executive Officer Carlos Tavares stated.

As discussed on EV Day 2021, STLA Large is one of four global BEV platforms that will underpin the company's next products and be essential in reaching the ambitious goals of the Stellantis Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan. It is the second platform to be unveiled after the industry-leading STLA Medium was released in July 2023.

The multi-energy STLA Large is available in hybrid and internal combustion versions, and it will be used in many plants in North America and Europe. The Stellantis brands will modify STLA Large vehicles to best suit the needs and preferences of their customers, offering a range of options from luxury to off-road 4x4 to family-friendly to high performance.

Engineers and designers can modify the wheelbase, overall length, overall width and height, and ground clearance of the platform due to its flexibility. Different suspension modules and powertrain cradles can be used to meet vehicle-specific objectives, such as handling, comfort, and ride.

To optimize a vehicle's capabilities and performance, engineers may also alter other key dimensions like the front spindle to the driver foot, the front and rear overhang, or the passenger compartment floor.

Using cutting-edge, high-strength materials, the platform's weight and rigidity have been optimized to provide best-in-class performance for a variety of vehicle types. The platform's components are arranged to optimize usable interior space and storage.

Key performance and comfort elements like propulsion, braking assist, steering, and the cabin heating and cooling system have also been designed to use as little energy as possible to increase driving range.

Acknowledging the significance of striking a balance between cost and driving range, the platform comes with battery pack variants that have energy ratings ranging from 85 to 118 kilowatt hours. STLA Large aims for an overall range of 800 kilometers for sedans and is designed to be easily upgraded to accommodate new energy storage technologies as they become ready for mass production.

STLA Large may also accommodate internal combustion and hybrid powertrain systems without compromising essential vehicle functions.

Stellantis' next-generation software-defined EV technologies, such as STLA Brain, STLA Smartcockpit, and STLA Autodrive, are also supported by the STLA Large platform.

Photos from Stellantis

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