Stellantis unveils a superior body-on-frame platform

Stellantis has shed some light on the “STLA Frame” chasiss it’s been developing. The innovative vehicle architecture targets large SUVs and pickup trucks and takes all kinds of powertrains, but with a preference for EVs and hybrids. The first model based on it will be the RAM 1500 REV, and it will be released in both variants at once.

A unitized design approach enables the automaker to use the STLA Frame chassis for vehicles ranging from 5.5 to 6 meters (18 to 19.7 feet) long. The wheelbase length is also rather flexible, ranging from 3.15 to 3.7 meters (10.33 to 12.14 feet). The trucks will support tire sizes up to 33 inches and wading depths up to 610 mm (23.8 inches).

EVs based on this architecture will be powered by next-gen electric motors that Stellantis claims it has already designed. These will output up to 340 PS (335 hp / 250 kW) per motor and will draw their energy from massive batteries. The minimum size is 159 kWh, while the maximum exceeds 200 kWh by a fair amount. In particular, the fully electric version of the RAM 1500 REV mentioned above will enjoy access to 229 kWh of power. This should translate into 805 km (500 miles) of range under ideal conditions.

A range-extender hybrid powertrain is currently in development as well. Stellantis doesn’t reveal its specs just yet, but promises us up to 1,100 km (683 miles) of range. Charging from a 350kW source will replenish enough power for 160 km (100 miles) of range in 10 minutes. To keep the power cells safe, the design of the platform provides for a particularly sturdy steel frame around the battery.

Once it delivers the electrified Ram truck lineup, Stellantis expects to follow up with a mysterious Jeep SUV. We suppose it could be an all-electric equivalent of the latest Wagoneer. Moving forward, the company plans to design a number of traditional internal combustion engines for this platform, as well as innovative hydrogen powertrains.