The next generation of compact electric cars from Peugeot, Opel, Lancia or Chrysler promises a maximum range of 700 kilometers, thanks to their chassis presented yesterday Wednesday July 5 by their parent company Stellantis. The Rennes factory will manufacture part of it.
Stellantis challenges Tesla with its new platform, the name given to the chassis of automobiles. Indeed, at the end of 2023, the new Peugeot 3008 will be the first model to be equipped with this chassis designed for electric cars.
The STLA Medium platform has been designed for small SUVs and sedans (between 4.3 and 4.9 meters in length) and promises a range of 500 kilometers with a standard battery pack or “over 700 km” with a “pack Performance”, rising to the level of the best electrics in its category.
“Stellantis is entering the real race,” said its general manager Carlos Tavares, during a press conference. “We are going to fight on performance and price (…) We are at the heart of the market, where the competition will be the fiercest, with Tesla or Chinese competitors”.
The STLA Medium platform will be manufactured in the Sochaux factory in France, where its design was piloted, but also in Rennes (Brittany), Melfi (Italy), Eisenach (Germany) and in several American factories, for a total production estimated at up to two million vehicles per year. It also promises low consumption (less than 14 kWh per 100 km) and fast charging (from 20 to 80% in 27 minutes).
The Franco-Italian-American manufacturer plans to successively launch three other platforms designed for small vehicles, sedans, SUVs and pick-ups. The platforms are modular, designed to accommodate a combustion engine or new battery technologies, or transform into four-wheel drive.