21 Nov 2024 | Stellantis Has A Plan For Full-Size EVs, Jaguar Has No EVs But New Logos and Pull-Through Superchargers

STELLANTIS UNVEILS STLA FRAME TO TRANSFORM TRUCK LINEUP

Stellantis has introduced its STLA Frame platform, set to support the upcoming Ram 1500 Ramcharger and potentially overhaul its range of full-size pickup trucks and SUVs.

This platform is designed to handle various powertrains, including battery electric vehicles (BEVs), extended-range hybrids (EREVs) and gasoline engines.

As a major European automaker with 14 brands, including Jeep, Dodge, and Ram, Stellantis has recently faced internal challenges like significant layoffs, worker strikes, and dealer dissatisfaction. The launch of the STLA Frame is a crucial step to regain its momentum by providing a platform that allows for extensive customization and scalability.

Stellantis claims that vehicles using the EREV version can travel up to 690 miles (1,110 kilometers) on a single charge, while BEVs can reach up to 500 miles (805 kilometers).

EREVs, which combine electric motors with traditional internal combustion engines to recharge the battery, are becoming more popular among car manufacturers.

This hybrid approach offers the advantages of electric driving while reducing worries about battery depletion during heavy tasks like towing and hauling. The STLA Frame’s strong towing capacity of 14,000 pounds (6,350 kilograms) and a payload rating of 2,700 pounds (1,225 kilograms) highlight its suitability for demanding uses.

BEVs built on this platform will feature an 800-volt system, allowing fast charging rates of 350 kilowatts (kW). This can add roughly 100 miles (160 kilometers) of range in just 10 minutes. EREVs will use a 400-volt system with a maximum DC fast charging rate of 175 kW, adding about 50 miles (80 kilometers) of range in the same time. Additionally, both versions offer bi-directional charging, enabling vehicles to supply power back to the grid, homes, or other EVs, increasing their versatility and usefulness.

The 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger, expected to launch in the U.S. in early 2025, will be the first model to feature the STLA Frame. Although specific Jeep EV models are not yet confirmed, potential candidates include the next-generation Wagoneer, the Recon EV inspired by the Wrangler, and an affordable electric Renegade. This wide application across different brands and models shows Stellantis’ dedication to a unified yet flexible electrification strategy.

Carlos Tavares, Stellantis CEO, highlighted the platform’s approach, stating, “With full EV and extended-range EV tech coming soon, we’re bringing ‘no compromise’ solutions to buyers who may be hesitant on trying their first electric vehicle.”

The STLA Frame is a cornerstone of Stellantis’ Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan, which includes four global BEV platforms tailored to diverse electrification needs. Following the launch of the STLA Medium in July 2023 and the upcoming STLA Large in January 2024, Stellantis is positioning itself to meet varied customer demands across different markets and use cases.

https://evne.ws/4hVAGHG

STELLANTIS PLANS MAJOR EV PUSH IN EUROPE BY 2026

Stellantis is gearing up to introduce its first vehicle built on the STLA Small platform in 2026, focusing on the European market, CEO Carlos Tavares announced.

The STLA Small platform will support the company’s next generation of compact cars, spanning the A to C segments, and accommodate battery sizes from 37 kilowatt-hours (kWh) to 82kWh providing various driving ranges and performance levels

This flexibility allows models like the Peugeot 208, Peugeot 2008, Vauxhall Corsa, and Vauxhall Mokka to easily switch to the new STLA Small design. By moving away from the existing CMP/e-CMP platform, Stellantis aims to boost efficiency and cut production costs across its European range.

Although the first model on the STLA Small platform hasn’t been named yet, Tavares assured the press that production plans are “on track” for 2026. This confidence highlights Stellantis’ dedication to meeting European market needs and regulatory standards, which increasingly favor sustainable and compact vehicles.

https://evne.ws/4hPvgOi

JAGUAR SHIFTS GEARS TOWARD AN ALL-ELECTRIC FUTURE

Jaguar is undergoing a major transformation, announcing a shift to an all-electric lineup with three new electric vehicles (EVs) set to launch in 2026. This decision follows a strategic pause in selling existing models, including the once-popular I-Pace electric crossover, allowing the company to focus on redefining its brand and products.

At the heart of this reinvention is Jaguar’s introduction of a new brand identity. Moving away from traditional single-logo branding, Jaguar is adopting a multifaceted design approach inspired by its “Copy Nothing” philosophy, a legacy from founder Sir William Lyons. This strategy underscores Jaguar’s dedication to innovation and standing out in the competitive EV market.

The refreshed brand identity features four unique design elements, all inspired by Exuberant Modernism. One key element is the “Device Mark,” which uses a new font called Exuberant to spell out “Jaguar.” Another is the “Strike Through,” a pattern of 16 horizontal stripes designed to act as both a background and a universal symbol for Jaguar’s upcoming EVs, according to Autocar.

Enhancing the visual language further is the “Maker’s Mark,” which combines a redesigned version of the iconic Jaguar “Leaper” with a medallion-shaped “Monogram.” This monogram creatively merges the letters “j” and “r” within a circle, described by Jaguar as “a code for expression and a signifier of a completed work.”

Jaguar’s emphasis on rebranding seems misplaced as the company struggles with product stagnation and intense competition. Instead of focusing on a new look, Jaguar would benefit more from innovating its vehicle lineup to meet modern consumer demands. The upcoming “Design Vision Concept,” set to be revealed on December 2nd during Miami Art Week, might generate excitement, but there is doubt about whether it will lead to real market advancements. Historically, some automakers have introduced impressive concepts that never become successful production models, causing disappointment among customers and industry observers.

https://evne.ws/3CB9HRz

UK ELECTRIC VEHICLE POLICY HAS ACCELERATED EV ADOPTION

The United Kingdom’s electric vehicle (EV) market has seen significant growth this year, largely driven by the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate regulation. Despite recent worries from car manufacturers about meeting the ZEV target for 2024, current trends show the UK is on course to achieve its goals.

Battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales now make up 18.3% of the UK car market, and in October alone, BEVs accounted for 21% of sales. Although the official target is 22%, the regulations allow carmakers some flexibility to comply by maintaining an average of 18% BEV sales throughout the year.

These flexibilities, supported by the automotive industry, are in place for the first three years of the ZEV mandate. They let manufacturers balance their portfolios by lowering carbon dioxide emissions from petrol and diesel cars, borrowing credits from future targets, or buying credits from other carmakers. Currently, almost half of the manufacturers have extra ZEV credits, a situation expected to improve as sales typically increase towards year-end. For example, fully electric car sales jumped to 33% in December 2022, demonstrating the sector’s ability to adapt and exceed requirements when needed.

The ZEV mandate has played a key role in reducing the cost of electric cars, making them more accessible. This regulatory push has led to more affordable EV models, especially smaller and entry-level vehicles. The Dacia Spring, priced around £15,000 ($18,450), and the Citroen e-C3, starting at £23,000 ($28,230), are good examples of this trend. Predictions suggest that by 2027, the UK will offer over a dozen EV models priced at £23,000 ($28,230) or lower, targeting budget-conscious consumers who were previously deterred by high prices.

Traditionally, carmakers focused on larger, premium EVs, including SUVs, to maximize profits. While this approach appealed to early adopters, it limited broader market reach due to higher costs. The move towards more affordable EVs, supported by the ZEV mandate, is crucial for meeting mass market demand. Additionally, declining battery costs, now at record lows, are enabling significant price drops in EVs, making them more competitive with traditional cars.

https://evne.ws/3CAPcEt

TESLA ENHANCES SUPERCHARGER NETWORK FOR TOWING DRIVERS

Tesla is upgrading its Supercharger network to better support owners who tow trailers or equipment.

Tesla’s Charging account on X shared a screenshot showcasing a new feature that prioritizes trailer-compatible Supercharger locations when drivers activate Trailer Mode. Additionally, even when not in Trailer Mode, drivers can easily identify compatible sites with a simple tap. This feature debuted in Tesla’s software update 2024.44 earlier this month, offering the first look at the new user interface.

Max de Zegher, Tesla’s North American Charging Director, explained that the upgraded sites include “Please Use Last” signs. These signs ask other Tesla drivers to avoid using pull-through Supercharger stations unless no other options are available, ensuring that trailer-compatible stalls remain open for those towing trailers or equipment.

This initiative is part of Tesla’s larger plan to expand its trailer-friendly Supercharger stalls. In September, Tesla introduced the trailer-compatible navigation feature and highlighted its efforts to increase the number of stations with pull-through Supercharger stalls. By using a pre-fabricated stall manufacturing method, Tesla has significantly cut costs and sped up the rollout of new Supercharger stalls.

Alongside these improvements, Tesla is launching its V4 Superchargers worldwide. The new V4 cabinets support charging speeds of up to 500 kilowatts (kW) and up to 1.2 megawatts (MW) for the Tesla Semi truck. In the third quarter, Tesla expanded its Supercharger network by adding 2,800 stalls, a 23% increase compared to the same period last year. Additionally, the chargers delivered a total of 1.4 terawatt-hours (TWh) of energy in Q3, marking a 27% year-over-year growth.

https://evne.ws/4eEixLH

CADILLAC LYRIQ DOMINATES 2024 ELECTRIC LUXURY SUV SALES

In the first three quarters of 2024, the LYRIQ topped its category, selling over 20,000 units across the United States. Notable sales include more than 3,000 units in California and over 2,000 each in Florida and Texas.

Cadillac plans to expand its electric lineup later this year with the introduction of the ESCALADE IQ and the OPTIQ luxury SUV, followed by the all-electric VISTIQ three-row SUV in 2025. This strategic expansion positions Cadillac as one of the few automakers offering an all-electric model across every segment of the luxury SUV market.

The LYRIQ’s success highlights General Motors’ strong electric vehicle portfolio, which has surpassed 300,000 total EV sales this year.

The upcoming high-performance LYRIQ-V is set to debut in 2026.

https://evne.ws/3Z0mdSh

BMW UNVEILS FRESH DESIGN FOR UPCOMING ELECTRIC SUV

21 Nov 2024 | Stellantis Has A Plan For Full-Size EVs, Jaguar Has No EVs But New Logos and Pull-Through Superchargers – EV News Daily (2024)