Stellantis recently unveiled more information about the STLA Frame platform, which serves as the foundation for the Ram 1500 Ramcharger. This platform is designed to be highly versatile, accommodating electric, hybrid, gas, hydrogen, and EREV powertrains. It is also built to handle various adventure requirements and can support both 400- and 800-volt architectures, offering up to 690 miles of range in the EREV configuration.
The pressure is mounting on Stellantis to deliver results, especially in the rapidly growing electric vehicle market. The conglomerate, which includes popular brands like Jeep, Dodge, and Ram, has faced challenges in keeping up with the industry’s pace. With recent layoffs, strikes, and dealer dissatisfaction, Stellantis is looking to make a comeback with the introduction of the STLA Frame platform.
This innovative platform is specifically engineered for full-size ladder-frame pickup trucks and SUVs, offering compatibility with different powertrains, including BEVs, EREVs, and potentially internal combustion engines, parallel hybrids, and hydrogen systems in the future. Stellantis touts impressive range figures for the EREV and BEV configurations, but it remains unclear whether these estimates are based on European WLTC or American EPA test cycles.
EREVs have been gaining popularity in the automotive industry, with several automakers planning to launch EREV models in the coming years. These vehicles combine an electric powertrain with a large battery and motors, along with a traditional internal combustion engine that solely recharges the battery while the wheels run on electric power. This hybrid approach offers the benefits of both electric and gas-powered vehicles.
The STLA Frame platform is designed to handle heavy-duty tasks, boasting a maximum towing capacity of 14,000 pounds and a payload rating of 2,700 hundred pounds. With a scalable architecture, the platform can accommodate battery sizes ranging from 159 kWh to over 200 kWh. The platform supports a wide range of dimensions, including overall length, width, wheelbase, ground clearance, and tire diameter.
BEVs based on the STLA Frame platform will utilize an 800-volt architecture, enabling rapid charging with 350-kilowatt DC fast chargers. EREVs, on the other hand, will feature a 400-volt architecture with a maximum DC fast charging rate of 175 kilowatts. Both configurations will support bi-directional charging, allowing owners to send power back to the grid, power their homes or appliances, or charge another electric vehicle.
The upcoming 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger will be one of the first vehicles to utilize the STLA Frame platform, with an expected launch in the U.S. early in 2025. While it’s uncertain which Jeep models will adopt this platform, the brand has several electric vehicles in the pipeline, including the next-generation Wagoneer and the Recon EV inspired by the Wrangler.
Stellantis’ decision to adopt a flexible approach with the STLA Frame platform reflects the growing demand for hybrid vehicles and concerns about the performance of BEVs in heavy-duty applications like towing and hauling. With potential changes to consumer incentives for electric vehicles, having multiple powertrain options available may prove to be a strategic move in the current market landscape.
“We’re proud of this engineering marvel and look forward to seeing it come to life in our upcoming product blitz on Jeep and Ram,” said Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares, highlighting the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.
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