Combustion engines’ return in EVs possible if there’s demand: Stellantis

Global automaker Stellantis is looking to bring back internal combustion engines (ICEs) in their electric vehicles (EVs) given there is demand, it said during its first-quarter results presentation. Major carmakers including Jeep, Citroen, Fiat and Maserati fall under the umbrella of Stellantis. 

The brand has 25 vehicle launches slated for 2024, including 18 being battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). One of the vehicles that could benefit from this philosophy is the yet-to-be-launched electric Jeep Wagoneer S, which may get a hybrid or ICE version later depending on sales volume.

Stellantis CFO on consumer demand

“Our goal is to put ourselves in the position where, on the one hand, we can show the market that we know where things are moving and we’re committed very much to the EV market but, on the other hand, we have the flexibility to go and grow where the consumer demand is,” Stellantis CFO Natalie Knight said. Notably, her comments come amid slowing sales of EVs in the United States. 

STLA platform

The New Zealand-based car manufacturer has plans to go all-electric by 2030 in the European market, while it is 50% for the US. Earlier this year, Stellantis unveiled its STLA platform designed for electric vehicles ranging up to 4.9 metres. Besides housing EV powertrains, this platform is capable of accommodating both ICE and hybrid architectures. 

Sales report

Net revenues globally had a 12% fall closing at $44.7 billion from January to March 2024 as compared to the year-ago period. Further, units shipped stood at 1.35 million marking a slump of 10%. North American market reported a 79% growth in the sales of Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) with Dodge and Jeep securing the bestsellers’ title. A 23% year-over-year growth came from Africa and the Middle East.

Also read - Renault Symbioz SUV Unveiled with Hybrid Powertrain