Stellantis STLA Frame platform confirms there’s still life for the engine
Following the introduction of STLA Large earlier this year, Stellantis has unveiled its new third platform called the STLA Frame platform.
The STLA Frame platform will form the basis for bakkies, light commercial vehicles, and SUVs under the Stellantis banner, which are important segments, especially in Mzansi. Secondly, Stellantis has announced that this platform will support fully electric powertrains, range-extended electric powertrains, internal combustion powertrains, and hybrid systems.
The addition of the latter two powertrains serves to reassure us that the internal combustion engine will continue to soldier on. Now, that’s something worth celebrating.
The STLA Frame platform promises a range of up to 1,100 kilometres when underpinned to range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs) and up to 800 kilometres for battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). For towing aficionados, Stellantis promises a maximum towing capacity of 6,350kg and a payload of 1,224kg. Also, the platform supports a wading depth of up to 610mm.
The STLA Frame platform features impressive dimensions, with a length ranging from 5,488mm to 5,941mm and a width of 2,062mm to 2,124mm. The wheelbase ranges between 3,143mm and 3,690mm with ground clearance ranging between 168mm and 260mm.
The other thing is that the brand has integrated front and rear Electric Drive Modules (EDMs) with a power output of up to 250kW, all-wheel-drive systems, and the ability to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 4.4 seconds.
The STLA Frame platform is designed to support rapid 800-volt DC charging, with capabilities of up to 350kW. This feature allows battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) to add 160km of range in just 10 minutes. The REEV’s battery packs can be recharged up to 80km in 10 minutes when using a 400-volt DC fast charger at up to 175kW.
The STLA Frame platform will enable vehicles to be equipped with bi-directional charging capabilities. This will allow the vehicle’s battery to charge another EV or power home appliances, as seen in the upcoming Volvo EX90.
While Stellantis hasn’t shared enough details regarding its future products, looking at what the new platform brings, the future looks promising and exciting at the same time.
