Stellantis ramps-up transition to eDCT hybrids: 30 models coming this year

Euro-American automaker Stellantis announced plans to ramp-up production of hybrids -- especially those with the company's newest, eDCT advanced hybrid technology -- in response to customer orders across Europe.

The company said it will offer 30 hybrid models this year and introduce six more through 2026. Hybrid-powered vehicles capture kinetic energy during braking and deceleration, which is then stored in a compact, lightweight battery and reused during acceleration.

In its release announcing the decision, Stellantis noted that sales across the EU30 countries for hybrid models had increased 41 percent year-to-date in 2024, against year-to-date 2023. Hybrids, the company noted, help reduce CO2 emissions at a more affordable price point than fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Uwe Hochgeschurtz, Stellantis Chief Operating Officer, Enlarged Europe, said in the release: "This technology not only enhances the efficiency and performance of traditional combustion engines, it also propels us toward a future of lower emissions, extended vehicle range and overall affordability for our customers."

Stellantis-brand Hybrid Vehicles Available Now or Coming Later This Year in Europe:

• Alfa Romeo Junior and Tonale
• Citroën New C3, New C3 AirCross, C4, C4X, C5 AirCross, C5X
• DS 3 and DS 4
• Fiat Panda and 600
• Jeep_® Avenger, Renegade and Compass
• New Lancia Ypsilon
• Maserati Grecale
• Opel/ Vauxhall Corsa, Astra, Astra SportsTourer, Mokka, Frontera, New Grandland
• Peugeot 208, 308, 308 SW, 408, 2008, New 3008, New 5008

Sébastien Jacquet, Stellantis Deputy Chief Engineering Officer, said: "Hybrids are easy to use and don't require any change in driving habits compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. Our advanced eDCT technology allows the internal combustion engine to remain off, particularly during low-speed driving, resulting in reduced CO2 emissions and fuel consumption."

Stellantis is the sales leader for low emission vehicles, which includes battery electric, fuel cell, plug-in hybrid and hybrid, in the EU30 region for A and B segments and light commercial vehicles.

The company is producing hybrid vehicles in more than 70 percent of its plants in Europe. It is also investing more than €50 billion worldwide in electrification over the decade.

Stellantis' Dare Forward 2030 target aims to reach 100 percent passenger car battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales mix in Europe and 50 percent passenger car and light-duty truck BEV sales mix in the US by 2030. Towards this, the company is securing ~400 GWh of battery capacity, including support from plants in North America and Europe.

The company maintains it is on track to become a net zero corporation by 2038, all scopes included, with single-digit percentage compensation for remaining emissions.