Stellantis has invested $29.5 million in advanced wind tunnel technology at its research and technical center in Auburn Hills, Michigan. This investment aims to improve the driving range of upcoming electric vehicles (EVs) across the Jeep, Dodge, and Ram brands. The upgraded wind tunnel incorporates new Innovative Ground Plane (MGP) technology, which optimizes airflow around the vehicle’s wheels and tires—a significant source of aerodynamic drag that can account for up to 10% of resistance. By reducing this drag, Stellantis expects to achieve longer EV ranges and minimize the need for larger, heavier batteries, ultimately lowering costs and enhancing efficiency.
This upgraded wind tunnel allows vehicles to remain stationary while all four wheels move on air-cushioned belts, simulating real-world driving conditions. The advancements are expected to benefit Stellantis brands globally, according to Mark Champine, senior vice president and head of Stellantis North America engineering technical centers. He emphasized that extending the EV range is crucial for customers considering the switch to electric. Champine stated, “By reducing drag, we improve electric-vehicle range and, ultimately, the overall customer driving experience.”
Stellantis is launching several key EV models later this year as part of its broader push to increase electric vehicle sales and reverse declining performance in North America. The 2025 Ram 1500 REV electric pickup, set to debut from Stellantis’ Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, will offer a driving range of over 350 miles with a standard 168 kWh battery, with an optional 229 kWh battery providing up to 500 miles. The Jeep Wagoneer S, slated for production at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant, will offer more than 300 miles of range with its 100 kWh battery and will start at $71,995.
In the performance segment, Dodge’s first electric muscle car, the 2024 Charger Daytona EV, offers up to 670 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of 3.3 seconds in its Scat Pack model. The electric Charger is expected to achieve a range of over 317 miles, and Stellantis announced it will be equipped with solid-state batteries by 2026, further extending the range and reducing costs.
As part of Stellantis’ “Dare Forward 2030” strategy, the company aims to have 50% of its U.S. sales and 100% of its European sales be all-electric by the end of the decade. It targets 75 EV models on the road globally and five million annual EV sales.
