Why Peugeot and Citroën could offer electric cars with XXL range, ultra-fast charging and breathtaking performance

The Stellantis group (Peugeot, Citroën, Jeep, Fiat, etc.) has just presented its STLA Large, a new platform dedicated to the sportiest and most luxurious electric cars in its range. Jeep and Maserati will benefit in particular, benefiting from insane acceleration, XXL autonomy and ultra-fast charging.

In the sprawling Stellantis group, there are certainly many general manufacturers (like Peugeot, Citroën, Fiat or Opel), but there are also much more exclusive and sporty brands. We think in particular of Jeep, Dodge or Maserati, which sell cars that are as powerful as they are luxurious.

The shift towards the electrification of the market cannot call into question these fundamentals for these brands. Stellantis has therefore thought of them by developing a platform specifically dedicated to the group’s largest and most efficient cars: welcome to the STLA Large.

Up-to-date technologies

And the engineers saw the big picture. This platform announces impressive figures, including batteries that can range from 85 to 118 kWh capacity, enough to achieve up to 800 km of autonomy. Charging is not left out, with an 800 volt architecture, enough to gain “up to 4.5 kWh per minute” dump. A 400 volt version will also be there.

Performance follows, since the sportiest version can go from 0 to 100 km/h in 2 seconds! If the power is not specified, the press release indicates that it “could exceed those of current V8 Hellcat engines”, a legendary engine in the United States, which can develop up to 807 hp; a good clue as to what lies ahead.

What is interesting is that this platform was intended to be ultra-flexible. Almost everything is customizable: the dimensions (length, width, wheelbase, ground clearance, overhang etc.), but also the location of the engines (front, rear or both) or chassis technologies to adapt it to hyper sporty versions or, on the contrary, with great off-road capabilities.

This STLA Large is finally a “multi-energy” platform; understand that it is certainly developed to accommodate a 100% electric engine, but that it can also accommodate thermal or hybrid versions.

Eight launches between 2024 and 2026

This is all well and good, but who will benefit from it? Stellantis is clear: this STLA Large is initially planned for the North American market (USA and Canada); Europe should, however, benefit from it.

Jeep and Dodge will be the first to benefit from it, via the Wagoneer S and the electric Charger respectively. Alfa Romeo and Maserati will also be entitled to it a little later, just like Chrysler, but still for their largest models. In total, eight launches are planned between 2024 and 2026.

This STLA Large is one of the four platforms designed by Stellantis to electrify its range, and therefore complements the STLA Medium that the Peugeot E-3008 will launch in spring 2024. The STLA Small will arrive a little later, but will only be an evolution of the eCMP which equips for example the Peugeot E-208 or the Fiat 600e. Finally, a fourth will be specifically dedicated to utility vehicles and large pick-ups: this will be the STLA Frame.