Stellantis is investing millions in innovative wind tunnel technology at its Michigan center. The company believes the new tech can help increase the driving range for upcoming EV models from Jeep, Dodge, and other Stellantis brands.
Stellantis unveiled its new Innovative Ground Plane (MPG) technology this week. The company invested $29.5 million into its research and technical center in Auburn Hills, Michigan.
With an upgraded wind tunnel, Stellantis said its new tech can optimize airflow resistance from wheels and tires, which can be a major drag (up to 10%) on aerodynamics.
The upgrades enable vehicles to remain in place, while belts suspended by cushions of air enable all four wheels to move. A fifth belt runs under the vehicle to mimic on-road travel.
By optimizing airflow and improving aerodynamics, Stellantis hopes to unlock longer EV driving range for upcoming models. It can also reduce the need for massive, heavy batteries, which will improve costs and lead to even more driving range on a single charge.
According to Mark Champine, senior vice president and head of Stellantis North America engineering technical centers, EV range is a “core consideration” for those looking to go electric. “That’s what makes this investment so critical.”
Champine explained, “By reducing drag, we improve electric-vehicle range and, ultimately, the overall customer driving experience.”
The company said its new MGP tech will “benefit multiple Stellantis brands, regardless of where they are sold.”
Stellantis to boost future Jeep, Dodge EV driving range
Jeep, Ram, and Dodge are launching their first electric vehicles in the US later this year as Stellantis looks to reverse slumping sales.
Ram’s first electric pickup, the 1500 REV, will be built at the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (SHAP). It will be the first Stellantis Plant to build an all-electric vehicle vehicle. Ram’s EV pickup is due out later this year.
The 2025 Ram 1500 REV is expected to have over 350 miles driving range with a standard 168 kWh battery pack. The company said a massive 229 kWh battery option will be available, enabling up to 500 miles of driving range.
The Jeep Wagoneer S, which will be built at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant, will start at $71,995. It will be available at US dealerships this fall.
Powered by a 100 kWh battery pack, Jeep’s luxury electric SUV has a driving range of over 300 miles. It’s already the most aerodynamic Jeep SUV, with a Cd of 0.29. Next year, the SUV maker will introduce its Wrangler-inspired Recon electric SUV.
| 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona EV trim | Horsepower | 0 to 60 mph time | Starting price |
| Dodge Charger Daytona R/T | 496 hp | 4.7 seconds | $59,995 |
| Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack | 670 hp | 3.3 seconds | $73,190 |
Last month, Dodge opened orders for its first electric muscle car, the 2024 Charger Daytona EV. Starting at $59,995, the base R/T model features 496 hp for a 0 to 60 mph time in 4.7 seconds.
The Scat Pack model, which retains the Charger’s status as “the world’s quickest and most powerful muscle car,” packs 670 hp, good for a 0 to 60 mph sprint in 3.3 seconds.
Powered by a 100.5 kWh battery the electric Dodge Charger is expected to get over 317 miles driving range. The Scat Pack model gets up to 260 miles range.
Stellantis announced on Wednesday that the electric Charger will be its first vehicle to be equipped with solid-state EV batteries in 2026. The new technology promises to deliver more driving range at a lower cost.
As part of its Dare Forward 2030 strategy, Stellantis aims for 50% of US and 100% of European sales to be all-electric by 2030. By then, the company wants 75 EVs on the road across its brands, accounting for five million vehicle sales annually.