Jeep-parent Stellantis is partnering with Michigan-based Future Energy to help its more than 2,600 dealers prepare for the transition to electric vehicle sales and service.
The automaker, which also owns Ram, Dodge, Chrysler and Fiat, highlighted the partnership in a news release Tuesday.
Almost 70% of Stellantis’ dealer network “have started working with Future Energy and are in various phases of deployment,” according to an email from Stellantis spokeswoman Diane Morgan.
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Financial terms of the deal or its length were not released. Future Energy began its outreach to dealers a year ago, Morgan said.
Phil Langley, head of network development for FCA – North America, said the company is offering consulting and on-site evaluations within each area of the dealership business. FCA is the U.S. operating arm of Stellantis.
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“As we accelerate the drive toward electrification, Stellantis is in full execution mode with an electrification strategy designed specifically to address the needs of our dealership network,” Langley said in the release.
Sam DiNello, CEO of Future Energy, which has its headquarters in Troy, said Stellantis, through the partnership, is demonstrating its commitment to its dealer network and supporting EV readiness by building a program “to help their dealers prepare for the disruption of electrification and to develop a thoughtful approach to help their dealer network modify their business processes.”
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The evaluations and assistance include identifying needed utility service upgrades and electric infrastructure changes, educating dealership staff, construction coordination for charging installation and help with applications for financial assistance for EV integration, the release said.
When asked what customers might notice related to the partnership, Morgan noted that “from a physical standpoint, consumers would likely notice the Level 3 charging units on the dealership grounds. And of course, when speaking with dealership employees, would be able to learn more about the service and maintenance of our electric vehicles.” The Level 3 charger is the fast charger that generally charges a battery in less than two hours, depending on the battery size, she said.
The costs to the individual dealers to participate will vary, given individual size, product offerings and needs or wants, Morgan said.
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Although Stellantis has relied on plug-in hybrids, such as the Chrysler Pacifica minivan and Jeep Wrangler 4xe, to push its electrification efforts in North America to date, the company has announced plans for a number of fully electric models.
The electric Jeep Recon and Wagoneer S are slated for production in 2024, and Ram Trucks plans to show its electric pickup concept at CES in Las Vegas in January. Dodge has also unveiled an electric muscle car concept, and Fiat plans to reveal the electric North American 500e at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show.
Contact Eric D. Lawrence: elawrence@freepress.com. Become a subscriber.