Stellantis, the global automotive giant, has announced a significant investment of $406 million in three of its Michigan-based facilities. This strategic move underscores the company's commitment to expanding its electric vehicle (EV) lineup and solidifying its position in the burgeoning EV market.
A substantial portion of the investment, totaling $248.5 million, is earmarked for the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant. This facility will play a pivotal role in manufacturing the highly anticipated Ram 1500 REV, an electric pickup truck that made its debut at the 2023 New York Auto Show. While the Ram 1500 REV may arrive slightly behind its competitors, it is poised to make a significant impact with its impressive range and performance capabilities.
The Ram 1500 REV will be offered with two battery pack options: a massive 168 kWh pack and an even larger 229 kWh pack. The smaller battery pack is expected to deliver a range of up to 563 kilometers on a single charge, while the larger pack can extend the range to a remarkable 805 kilometers. For those seeking rapid charging, the truck will support 350 kW DC fast charging, allowing for an additional 177 kilometers of range in just 10 minutes.
Underpinning the Ram 1500 REV is the STLA Frame architecture, which provides a robust foundation for the truck's electric powertrain. A dual-motor all-wheel drive system delivers a potent 654 horsepower and 840 Nm of torque, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 96 km/h in a mere 4.4 seconds.
In addition to the Ram 1500 REV, Sterling Heights Assembly will also produce the new Ram 1500 Ramcharger. This range-extended pickup truck features a 92 kWh battery pack that powers a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing 663 horsepower and 833 Nm of torque. However, the Ramcharger's most notable feature is its 3.6-liter V6 engine, which acts as a generator to extend the truck's range to a targeted 1,110 kilometers.
Another facility benefiting from Stellantis' investment is the Warren Truck Plant, which will receive $97.6 million. This funding will be used to build an electrified version of the Jeep Wagoneer. While details about the Wagoneer 4xe are still limited, Stellantis has confirmed that it will be one of four Jeep EVs launched globally by the end of 2025.
Jeep CEO Antonio Filosa has indicated that the Wagoneer 4xe will likely share some components and technology with the Ram 1500 Ramcharger. However, it is expected to have a smaller battery pack and a reduced range.
Finally, the Dundee Engine Plant will receive an investment of over $73 million to support the production of components for the STLA Large and STLA Frame architectures. Additionally, the plant will manufacture a new turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine known as the GME-T4 EVO. This engine is slated for launch later this year and is designed with direct fuel injection and hybrid-electric vehicle compatibility.