Stellantis invests $29.5M in new technology to boost EV range
What's the story
Stellantis, the parent company of Jeep and Dodge has pumped $29.5 million into its research and technical center in Michigan.
The investment will go into developing an innovative wind tunnel technology called Moving Ground Plane (MGP).
This new tech will optimize airflow resistance from wheels and tires, a factor that can affect a vehicle's aerodynamics by as much as 10%.
Air resistance, or drag, significantly impacts driving range. Optimizing vehicle design is critical to minimizing drag and maximizing EV range.
Tech impact
MGP technology: A game-changer for EV performance
The MGP tech lets vehicles stay put while belts suspended by air cushions move all four wheels.
A fifth belt runs underneath the car, mimicking the conditions of an on-road journey.
This novel method is likely to improve the driving range of future electric vehicle (EV) models from Stellantis brands such as Jeep and Dodge, by making them more aerodynamic and optimizing airflow.
Cost efficiency
MGP technology could reduce reliance on heavy batteries
The MGP technology could also reduce the reliance on large, heavy batteries for EVs. This could help reduce costs and further increase the driving range on a single charge.
Mark Champine, Senior Vice President and Head of Stellantis North America engineering technical centers, highlighted that EV range is a "core consideration" for those making the switch to electric vehicles, making this investment important.
Future plans
Stellantis's upcoming EV launches
Stellantis is gearing up to launch its first EVs in the US later this year under brands such as Jeep, Ram, and Dodge.
The 2025 Ram 1500 REV, an electric pickup with a standard driving range of over 563km on a single charge, will be produced at the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (SHAP).
The Jeep Wagoneer S and Dodge's first electric muscle car, the 2024 Charger Daytona EV are also on the cards.
Market strategy
Stellantis's ambitious goals for electric vehicle market
As part of its Dare Forward 2030 strategy, Stellantis hopes to make half of its US sales and all of its European sales all-electric by 2030.
By then, the company expects to have 75 EVs on the road across its brands, contributing to five million vehicle sales annually.
This ambitious target highlights Stellantis's commitment to spearheading the shift toward sustainable mobility in the global automotive industry.