Stellantis N.V. has unveiled the STLA Large, its all-new, highly flexible, BEV-native platform that is the foundation for a wide range of upcoming vehicles for global markets in the D and E segments. The platform enables several segment-leading capabilities including embedded energy, charging efficiency, high-performance vehicle dynamics and Trail Rated off-road driving. Full-size vehicles based on STLA Large are the core of customer demand in prime global markets and will be used first in the North American market on Dodge and Jeep® brands, followed by other brands including Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, and Maserati. There will be eight vehicles launched from 2024-2026.
The STLA Large platform is engineered to enable greater levels of vehicle diversity from a base set of componentry, along with robust and cost-efficient manufacturing processes that can be duplicated in multiple assembly plants. Upcoming products will cover a full spectrum of vehicle types, from cars to crossovers to SUVs, all of which will give customers the electric propulsion benefits of instant torque response combined with zero emissions. Brand-specific product announcements will begin this year.
“Our goals for our STLA platforms are ambitious but this is what our customers need from us today,” said Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares. “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.”
STLA Large is the second of four platforms to be revealed following the release of best-in-class STLA Medium in July 2023. STLA Large will be installed in several plants in Europe and North America and available in multi-energy variants, including hybrid and internal combustion. Stellantis will tailor STLA Large vehicles, ranging from family oriented to high performance to off-road 4×4 to luxury.
The platform’s inherent flexibility enables engineers and designers to adjust the wheelbase, overall length, overall width and height, and ground clearance. A variety of suspension modules and powertrain cradles can be employed to suit vehicle specific performance objectives that include ride, handling, and comfort. Engineers can 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.
Employing advanced high-strength materials, the platform is optimized for weight and rigidity to enable best-in-class performance across the spectrum of vehicle types. Components within the platform are packaged to maximize usable interior space and storage. Key comfort and performance components, such as the cabin heating/cooling system, steering, braking assist, and propulsion are designed to minimize energy consumption to enhance driving range.
The flexibility includes the unibody platform’s propulsion systems. STLA Large is designed and engineered as a native BEV platform with the option of 400-volt and 800-volt electric architectures. Three-in-one electric drive modules (EDMs) that incorporate the motor, power inverter and gear reduction can be configured in front-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive, 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.
