Ram, Jeep Ready to Rival GM's Electric Truck and SUV Offerings

Global automaker Stellantis this week highlighted a new frame, set to underpin its next generation of trucks and SUVs, as it prepares to launch products designed, developed and engineered specifically for North American customers.

Ram and Jeep will be the first to use the new STLA Frame, the third new platform from Stellantis in the last three years. Like the STLA Large, it will be "mostly used" in North America. It was also built in North America, which has the most expertise in body-on-frame truck-type platforms.

The new STLA Frame can vary in size depending on company needs. Full-size Jeeps like the Wagoneer and Ram trucks will get it first, but it could shrink to a wheelbase the same size as a midsize pickup like the Ford Ranger or Toyota Tacoma.

It also accepts several forms of powertrain, including future hydrogen considerations, battery-electric setups and internal combustion engines. It can also fit many electric motor sizes.

"STLA Frame is carrying the best of our body-on-frame technology and know-how for the future, we intend to underpin standard pickup trucks, commercial vehicles and SUVs, and it's able to support our flexible multi energy strategy, which is perfectly suited for the very uncertain environment in which we are operating. The potential of this platform is enormous," Carlos Tavares, Stellantis CEO told journalists at a press conference.

2024 Jeep Wagoneer S rear view. The 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S will be one of the first to get the new STLA Frame. Stellantis

The company says with a battery electric vehicle the platform is good for 500 miles of range while a vehicle with a range extender, like the new RamCharger, will be good for almost 700 miles without refueling/recharging. However, the architecture is just the underneath bits. Aerodynamics, additional equipment and weight are major factors in range considerations.

The REEV (range extended electric vehicle) system, like that in the RamCharger, consists of a battery, front and rear electric drive motors and an on-board generator/internal combustion engine. The engine/generator never powers the wheels, only creating electricity for the motors.

All STLA Frame vehicles will have all-wheel drive.

STLA Frame features 400-volt and 800-volt electric vehicle architectures which allows its battery to charge at a rate of up to 350 kilowatts, which can add 100 miles of range in just 10 minutes under ideal charging conditions.

Trucks that use the frame will be able to tow up to truck it will be able to tow 14,000 pounds when properly equipped, with a payload rating of 2,700 pounds for battery-electric and REEV models.

"Like STLA Medium and STLA Large, STLA Frame combines an unprecedented range with new levels of capability and performance to offer best-in-class range, payload and towing for our customers who need reliable and powerful trucks and SUVs, to haul their families or power their businesses," said Tavares in a press release.

"We're proud of this engineering marvel and look forward to seeing it come to life in our upcoming product blitz on Jeep and Ram," he said.

STLA Frame. The new STLA Frame will underpin Jeep and Ram vehicles. Stellantis

Stellantis says it can fit battery packs from 159- to 250-kilowatt-hours, and with in-house motors can propel a vehicle to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. It can also accept different suspensions, including air powered, and ford water over 20 inches deep.

Tavares reiterated that Stellantis still plans to be carbon neutral by 2038, and these multi-powered platforms are a way to adapt to customer needs. They'll also help bring affordability to different forms of EVs, which it understands is the only way for them to take off in earnest.

"We are well positioned to adapt to very different market or regulatory circumstances. From that perspective, the multi-energy characteristic is a great one. Then we have, as a company, a very clear positioning, which I believe is very ethical for our kids and our grandkids, which is to contribute to fixing the global warming issue," said Tavares.

What is Compass Viewpoint?

Stellantis Lags Behind General Motors But Has a Smart Strategy

General Motors has come to market with a host of battery-electric truck and SUV offerings in the last few years while Stellantis has sorted out its next steps. In the end, this may play out a bit like the tortoise and the hare as GM is working to accommodate a slowly evolving American customer base into plans that were heavy on battery-electric vehicles. Stellantis has taken a slower approach and, similar to Mercedes-Benz, is working to streamline vehicle lineups with frames that accommodate multiple powertrains.

"It depends if there are enough customers to buy zero emission vehicles, and if there are, then we are just fine. We'll be where we expect it to be. If we see that there are not enough customers to buy electric vehicles, then we will see what options we have," he said.