Stellantis to expand 48-volt MHEV offerings

STELLANTIS is set to offer an expanded range of 48-volt mild hybrid (MHEV) models over the coming years to help it meet tightening European emissions targets.

The conglomerate says MHEV technology can help it cut CO2 emissions and fuel consumption by as much as 20 per cent on certain models and may be fitted to a wide range of vehicle types and sizes for relatively little cost.

Stellantis estimates it will have an annual production capacity of 1.2 million cars with its 48-volt eDCT (electrified Dual-Clutch Transmission) system replacing traditional internal combustion engine models by as early as 2025.

“When you compare it (eDCT technology) with a high-voltage hybrid, you get very similar CO2 gains for lower costs for our customers,” said Stellantis senior vice president of propulsion systems for Europe, the Middle East and Africa Christian Mueller.

Mr Mueller told Automotive News Europe that the technology adds around €2000 ($A3210) to the cost of each vehicle.

The 48-volt eDCT system utilises a 0.9kWh battery, weighing around 12kg, and a 21kW electric motor integrated into the dual-clutch transmission. A belt-driven starter/generator is said to improve idle-stop functionality.

In most instances, the transmission would be combined with a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol unit with outputs of either 100hp (75kW) and 136hp (101kW).

The eDCT system will replace a lot of volume from manual transmission, non-hybrid base model powertrains.

Vehicles equipped with the technology can travel around 1km on electric power alone and are estimated to save as much as two litres per 100km in urban use. Like other hybrid systems, energy is recuperated when coasting or braking.

“This is our right-sized solution to approach the hybrid world,” said Stellantis global hybrid systems chief engineer Francesco Cimmino.

GoAuto understands the technology may be launched from next year in an array of models including the Alfa Romeo Junior and Tonale SUVs, Citroen C3, C4 and C5, Fiat 600, Jeep Avenger, Lancia Ypsilon, Opel Grandland, and Peugeot 5008.

Mr Mueller said the expansion of MHEV technology will run in parallel with Stellantis’ electric vehicle development and has not come as a reaction to the recent slowdown in EV sales across the region.

“We are executing our BEV plans in parallel. We are still very focused on 100 per cent BEV sales in Europe by 2030,” he added, saying Stellantis was in no danger of missing its 2025 fleet CO2 targets which are about 15 per cent lower than the last increment made in 2020-21.