Stellantis’ Bold Move into Range-Extended Electric Trucks and SUVs
Ready to dive into the world of range-extended electric trucks and SUVs? Well, buckle up, because Stellantis just unveiled its game plan for the new STLA Frame platform. This isn’t just a fleeting gimmick; the Ram 1500 Ramcharger’s V6 “generator” is poised to be a pivotal part of Stellantis’ multi-fuel strategy for future body-on-frame vehicles.
A Modular Frontier
Stellantis is envisioning a highly modular platform that’s going to cater to full-size pickups, light commercial vehicles, and SUVs—think other beasts like the Ram 1500 and the Jeep Wagoneer. During a media roundtable, Stellantis faced questions about scalability—can they stretch their platforms up to the heavier-duty Ram HD models or down to the compact Jeep Wrangler? Duane Schroeder, Director of Body on Frame Architecture, noted that their current focus is firmly on models like the half-ton Ram 1500 REV and Ramcharger. It’s worth mentioning: the STLA Frame is engineered specifically for a four-wheel independent suspension—something the Ram HD and open-top Jeeps aren’t currently utilizing.
A New Era for Electric Vehicles
Being a “BEV native” platform, STLA Frame is geared up to accept liquid-cooled battery packs with capacities of over 200 kilowatt-hours. It’s not just about power, either. This platform also supports cutting-edge electrification features, including vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-grid charging. In the Ram 1500 REV, there’s even a bed-mounted power panel capable of delivering 7.2 kilowatts. And if you need more juice, another panel hidden in the trunk can dish out an impressive 3.6 kilowatts.
Truck-Savvy Features
On the rugged front, you can slap on some 33-inch tires, and the platform boasts a maximum ground clearance of 10.3 inches. Got a taste for luxury? Air suspension is on the table, a boon for cushy Ram 1500 models and, who knows, maybe a future battery-electric Wagoneer. The inclusion of body-on-frame SUVs in the STLA Frame blueprint solidly confirms earlier rumors about such developments. To put a cherry on top, CEO Carlos Tavares specifically highlighted both Jeep and Ram during the announcement.
Future-Proofing the Lineup
While future-proofing is arguably job number one for the STLA Frame, it’s also versatile enough to accommodate internal combustion engines, hybrid systems, and even hydrogen. The flagship powertrain for this chassis? The 690-mile range-extender paired with the 800-volt architecture in the Ramcharger, which features two electric motors, a hefty battery, and a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine to keep things charged. If you’re a fan of simplicity, the battery-only REV variant offers either one or two motors and can rock up to 500 miles of range.
Playing it Smart in Changing Times
Some have criticized Stellantis’ CEO Carlos Tavares for hesitating to go all-in on electrification, especially with the current fluctuations in the EV market. But let’s be real—when the tides are uncertain, a strategy with gas range extenders seems not just smart, but downright clever.
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