Stellantis Expands Hybrid Vehicle Line to Meet European Demand

Stellantis is expanding its hybrid vehicle offerings to meet the increasing demand in Europe. The company announced that it will have 30 hybrid models available by 2024 and plans to launch six additional models by 2026.

This expansion aims to address the rapid rise in customer orders for hybrids, which saw a 41% increase in sales in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. "In an era where sustainability meets innovation, Stellantis remains at the forefront with our ultimate commitment to advancing hybrid technology for our European customers," said Uwe Hochgeschurtz, Chief Operating Officer for Enlarged Europe, Stellantis.

Stellantis' hybrid models are equipped with innovative electrified dual-clutch transmissions (eDCT) that combine an internal combustion engine with a 21-kW electric motor. This technology provides a seamless driving experience and allows for pure electric driving in city conditions. The 48-volt, 0.9-kWh battery enables up to one kilometer of range in steady driving and can provide some electric propulsion during light-load cruising or coasting. The system also features a Belt Starter Generator for smooth transitions between electric and hybrid modes.

“We have a very competitive hybrid solution that we are now ramping up with our new eDCT technology and we are rolling it out across a wide range of models, making it accessible to many customers,” said Sébastien Jacquet, Deputy Chief Engineering Officer, Stellantis.

The eDCT system is engineered for optimal fuel efficiency, achieving up to a 20% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to a combustion engine with an automatic transmission. This technology also supports plug-in electric vehicles (PEV) due to a 93% commonality of components. The hybrid vehicles capture kinetic energy during braking and deceleration, which is stored in the battery and reused during acceleration, enhancing overall driving efficiency. 

Stellantis is currently producing hybrid vehicles in over 70% of its plants in Europe. Through the eTransmissions joint venture, Stellantis and its partner produce eDCTs in Metz, France, and Turin, Italy, supplying 11 vehicle manufacturing plants with a combined production capacity of over 1.2 million eDCTs per year.