Stellantis has revealed more details around its STLA Frame, one of four new flexible, multi-energy platforms that will support full-size pickup trucks, light commercial vehicles, and SUVs. The first will be geared toward Jeep and Ram vehicles. The automaker hopes these platforms—STLA Small, Medium, Large, and Frame—will simplify engineering and design across its portfolio as customers decide between conventional gasoline, hybrid, and electric vehicles.
Stellantis’ goal is to reach 50% passenger car and light-duty truck BEV sales by 2030.
The Frame platform is constructed from high-strength steel for improved durability and rigidity and decreased weight. The battery pack will be housed in a widened center section and be protected from side impacts by reinforced frame rails. A full-length belly pan was included to reduce aerodynamic drag and help maximize driving range.
STLA Frame will initially feature a full BEV system and a range-extended electric vehicle (REEV) configuration.
“Like STLA Medium and STLA Large, STLA Frame combines an unprecedented range with new levels of capability and performance to offer best-in-class range, payload, and towing for our customers who need reliable and powerful trucks and SUVs, to haul their families or power their businesses,” said Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares. “With full EV and extended-range EV tech coming soon, we’re bringing ‘no compromise’ solutions to buyers who may be hesitant on trying their first electric vehicle."
REEV combines a battery, front and rear electric drive modules (EDMs), an on-board generator, and an internal combustion engine, and is expected to deliver 690 miles.
Read more: Reviewing the Ram 1500 Tradesman: Comfort for work and home
“With no direct mechanical path from the engine to the wheels, the generator powers the EDMs to propel the vehicle and recharges the battery as needed, ensuring extended range under load conditions, while benefitting from the torque of the electric engines that bring the vehicle’s dynamics to new heights,” Stellantis explained in a release.
The BEV version will have 500 miles of range, according to Stellantis, in addition to a 14,000-lb. towing capacity and 2,700-lb. payload capacity.
The BEV configurations will accommodate 800V DC fast charging up to 350 kW, which can add 100 miles of range in just 10 minutes. The REEV, meanwhile, can achieve up to 50 miles in 10 minutes with 400V DC fast charging at up to 175 kW.
Vehicles with STLA Frame are equipped with bi-directional charging capability, so these vehicles can charge other EVs, provide emergency power to a home or site, or feed electricity back to the grid.
The Frame is also designed to accommodate internal combustion, hybrid, and hydrogen propulsion systems in the future.
- Overall Length range: 216-234"
- Overall Width range: 81.2-83.6"
- Wheelbase range: 123.7-145.3"
- Ground clearance range: 6.6-10.3"
- Maximum tire diameter: 32.8/33"
Tavares said that the company would also be delaying production of its electric Ram pickups to the first half of 2025, citing a need for quality assurance as well as a heavy workload as factors behind the decision.
“We are just facing a very significant amount of workload,” Tavares said.
