Stellantis is investing in a new wave of a hybrid models as the world goes green. A $400 million investment by the major automobile manufacture will see a major prioritization multi-energy strategy across three of its Michigan plants. Among the energy conscious initiatives, Stellantis is focused on developing a new 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine to equip new hybrid models from 2025.
$73 million investment at Dundee plant with Turbo- engine development
The new engine will be developed concurrently at the Dundee plant which will see a $73 million investment upgrade to optimize production lines and to prepare for the development of new key components including the engine and the STLA Frame Platform- a series of electrical vehicle architectures designed to support Stellantis’ shift towards electric mobility.
Details of the new engine, identified as GME-T4 Evo, still remain unconfirmed but evidence suggests that the design will continue to be derived from the EP family originally developed by PSA. Key components include turbocharged and naturally aspirated versions, direct injection technology, and 3-cylinder or 4-cylinder engine configurations.
The GME-T4 Evo is an update to the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine. The new development follows an overarching theme of increased efficiency and reduced emissions. Significantly, the engine is compatible with hybrid engine technology. Coupled with a reduced fuel consumption design, the engine is suspected to be introduced in newer generations of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio and Giulia.
Japan continues to focus on hydrogen automobile developments over electrical
While Stellantis’ investment highlights the emphasis towards commercial hybrid vehicles in the United States, Japan continues to rather bet on the future of hydrogen fuel cell cars over electric vehicles. Toyota and Yamaha signed an agreement earlier this year to develop a hydrogen powered engine. Stellantis has explored hydrogen fuel-cell technology, but their current focus seems to remain electric based.
Both focuses signal an industry shift towards alternative energy. Stellantis’ investment in the GME-T4 Evo informs part of their larger plan to achieve of 100 % passenger car sales in Europe and 50% of passenger car and light commercial vehicle sales in the United States to be Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) by 2030. These cars are solely electric, hybrid engine development is a necessary intermediate step as traditional combustion engines begin to be phased out.
Stellantis plans to invest more then $50 billion in EVs
To achieve their BEV goal, the company intends to invest more than $50 billion in electric vehicle (EV) production with hybrid vehicles being a cornerstone of their strategy. The aggressive investment plan to achieve their BEV goals within the decade is a positive step to see industry radically shifting towards alternative energy solutions. The writing is on the wall, and the future of automobile survival is energy advancement.
Previously, Stellantis had virtually no plug-in hybrid technology in their portfolio. Stellantis seems to have recognized the future is green and is adopting a radical shift to stay competitive. Stellantis continues to remain relatively discreet about their green developments, including information regarding the GME-T4 Evo, 2025 appears to be the beginning of a revolution for the company.
As the automobile industry goes green, it will be interesting to see where consumer competition will play out between alternative energy options. Continued innovation, infrastructure development, and global cooperation across industries is essential to work towards a sustainable future for all. The potential of a fully green automobile industry which leaves the combustion engine behind is a reality not far off.
As Stellantis radicalizes their consumer goods, other industry leaders should pay attention to Stellantis’ rapid commitment to a greener future, highlighting how fast development and investment into alternative energy is possible if it is made a top priority
