Stellantis' Latest Platform Targets U.S. Fullsize Market

Stellantis pulls the wraps off its latest and largest battery-electric-vehicle-capable platform heralding a new generation of fullsize premium vehicles.

Its STLA Large platform claims to be the most flexible platform in the D and E vehicle segments, able to handle BEV, hybrid and internal-combustion powertrains for passenger car, crossover and SUV vehicle types. Vehicles designed on this platform will be produced and sold globally with the automaker planning eight new model launches across five brands from this year until 2026.

Stellantis says the platform also allows the use of several segment-leading capabilities including embedded energy, charging efficiency, high-performance vehicle dynamics and Trail Rated off-road driving. Creation of the platform recognizes the strong consumer demand in North America for fullsize vehicles. Its first new products will be for the Dodge and Jeep brands before being applied to other brands including Alfa Romeo, Chrysler and Maserati.

On top of vehicle type flexibility, the automaker says the platform will enable robust and cost-efficient manufacturing processes that can be duplicated in a multitude of assembly plants. STLA Large will be installed in several plants in Europe and North America and available in multi-energy variants.

Engineers and designers will be able to adjust the wheelbase, overall length, overall width and height, and ground clearance. Its metrics include:

Engineers can also adjust key dimensions, such as the front spindle to the driver foot, the front and rear overhang, or the passenger compartment floor, to fine-tune vehicle capabilities and performance.

As far as BEV variants are concerned, the platform has either 400V and 800V electric architectures using three-in-one electric drive modules (EDMs) that incorporate the motor, power inverter and gear reduction and can be configured in front-, rear- and all-wheel-drive layouts. The power inverter employs silicon carbide semiconductor technology to minimize power losses. Propulsion system performance can be upgraded during the vehicle’s lifespan via over-the-air software updates.

Stellantis claims the platform has the potential to carry extreme power that will outperform any of the existing Hellcat V-8s. Battery pack options' energy ratings range between 85 and 118 kWh. STLA Large targets an overall range of 800 km (500 miles) for sedans and is future-proofed to accept energy storage technologies when they reach production readiness.

The initial generation of propulsion components claims the potential to deliver acceleration of 0-to-62 mph (100 km/h) in the 2-second range. Fast charging will add up to 4.5 kWh per minute to the 800V battery pack. Drivetrain flexibility includes transverse and longitudinal engine mounting configurations, supporting FWD/RWD/AWD drivetrains.

The STLA Large platform supports Stellantis’ next-generation electrical and software-defined-vehicle technologies, such as STLA Brain, STLA SmartCockpit and STLA AutoDrive.

Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares says: “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.”