Stellantis reveals its building block for next-gen utes and SUVs
New ladder-frame to support all key fuel types and provide best-in-class payload and towingStellantis has revealed its next-generation ladder-frame destined for its new family of utes and SUVs.
Said to be scalable and offer best-in-class performance, the all-new STLA Frame has been developed to be compatible with every major and emerging powertrain technology, including internal combustion, hybrid, hydrogen, battery-electric and range-extender hybrids.
The latter option is said to offer an 1100km fuel range while battery-electric utes and SUVs should be able to cover up to 800km on a single charge, tow up to 6350kg and haul a 1224kg payload.
Ladder-frames have traditionally been associated with off-roaders and that’s the case here too, however the maximum wading depth is lacking 610mm.
Compatible battery capacities for the EVs range from 159-200kWh while the corresponding motors will all be good for up to 250kW (each), pointing to a sub-five-second 0-100km/h time for dual-motor versions.
STLA Frame is intended for large and full-sized models measuring 5488-5941mm long, 2062-2124mm wide and 3143-3690mm between the axles, while ground clearance should range between 168-262mm – large 33-inch tyres should fit without any issues or modifications.
When it comes to charging, the new frame will incorporate an 800-volt electrical architecture supporting 350kW ultra-fast-charging, something that add up to 160km of range in around 10 minutes.
Range-extender hybrids will run on a less powerful 400-volt electrical architecture that reduces the maximum charging power down to 175kW, however this can still add 80km of range in 10 minutes.
Bi-directional charging capabilities will be included from the outset.
Stellantis hasn’t revealed which brand will use the new platform first, but the expectation is for the eventual successors of the Jeep Gladiator and RAM 1500 to use the new architecture, with the latter already previewed last year by the RAM 1500 Revolution concept.
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