In a decision that probably won’t shock anyone following the EV market, Stellantis has delayed the launch of its all-electric Ram 1500 REV yet again, this time pushing it all the way back to 2026. Why? They’re blaming “slowing industry demand” for electric trucks, which is a polite way of saying customers aren’t exactly lining up to trade their gas-guzzling trucks for battery-powered workhorses.

But don’t worry, Stellantis has a Plan B: the Ram 1500 Ramcharger, a range-extender version of the truck now scheduled to arrive in 2025 to help bridge the gap.

More: Ex-CEO Tavares Personally Killed The Hemi V8, Stellantis Insiders Reveal

Unveiled in early 2023, the Ram 1500 REV was initially promised for a late 2024 market launch as the brand’s first electric offering. However, Stellantis recently pushed the rollout to early 2025, with former CEO Carlos Tavares insisting they didn’t want to rush such an important model. Now, the company has pushed the Ford F-150 Lightning and Tesla Cybertruck rival all the way to 2026, revealing the real reason behind their hesitation.

Consumer Preferences Drive Decision

According to Stellantis, the decision to prioritize the range-extender version over the EV was driven by “overwhelming consumer interest,” the need to “maintain a competitive advantage in the technology,” and “slowing industry demand for half-ton BEV pickups.” In simpler terms, customers seem to favor the Ramcharger’s extended range, which also makes it less dependent on the still-developing charging infrastructure.

The Ramcharger runs on a 3.6-liter V6 engine that acts as a generator for the 92 kWh battery pack, offering a range of 690 miles (1,110 km), compared to the 500 miles (805 km) offered by the all-electric version. It’s also packing a bit more punch, delivering 663 hp (494 kW / 672 PS), slightly edging out the 1500 REV’s 654 hp (448 kW / 663 PS), though we doubt anyone would notice the difference.

Production of the Ram 1500 will “primarily” take place at the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant in Michigan, covering both the electrified and traditional ICE versions.

Leadership Shake-Up

This shift in strategy coincides with a change in leadership for the Ram brand. Tim Kuniskis, a 32-year company veteran known for breathing life into Dodge with the Hellcat lineup, has returned to his post as CEO of Ram after retiring in June from his role overseeing both Ram and Dodge. He replaces Chris Feuell, following the fallout from Carlos Tavares’ resignation as Stellantis CEO. Kuniskis steps into his new position at a crucial moment for Stellantis, as the company works to balance its electrification ambitions with the realities of current market demand.

Stellantis has inked a joint venture with Chinese battery giant CATL to establish a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery plant in Zaragoza, Spain. Up to €4.1 billion (~$4.31 billion) will be invested into the new site, with production scheduled to start by the end of 2026. When fully operational, the facility will have a capacity of up to 50 GWh.

This new plant will be located alongside the existing Stellantis facilities in Zaragoza. Batteries produced there will be used in the group’s battery-electric passenger cars, crossovers, and SUVs competing in the B and C segments. Stellantis has not confirmed which of its models will be the first to use these new locally-made LFP cells, but notes the plant’s capacity is “subject to the evolution of the electrical market in Europe and continued support from authorities in Spain and the European Union.”

Read: Ex-CEO Tavares Personally Killed The Hemi V8, Stellantis Insiders Reveal

“Stellantis is committed to a decarbonized future, embracing all available advanced battery technologies to bring competitive electric vehicle products to our customers,” Stellantis chairman John Elkann said. “This important joint venture with our partner CATL will bring innovative battery production to a manufacturing site that is already a leader in clean and renewable energy, helping drive a 360-degree sustainable approach. I want to thank all stakeholders involved in making today’s announcement a reality, including the Spanish authorities for their continued support.”

The battery plant has been designed to be completely carbon neutral and will be implemented in several phases and investment plans. Stellantis says the site will also help it on its path to becoming a carbon net zero corporation by 2038.

“The joint venture has taken our cooperation with Stellantis to new heights, and I believe our cutting-edge battery technology and outstanding operation knowhow combined with Stellantis’ decades-long experience in running business locally in Zaragoza will ensure a major success story in the industry,” CATL chairman and chief executive Robin Zeng added. “CATL’s goal is to make zero-carbon technology accessible across the globe, and we look forward to cooperating with our partners globally through more innovative cooperation models.”

DS Automobiles has just unveiled their new flagship, the fully electric N°8 fastback crossover, and it’s clear they’re trying (perhaps a bit too hard) to grab attention. During the official presentation, the French automaker had the gall—er, the cheek—to throw a little jab at the competition, recreating a scene from the folk tale Cinderella to make their point. And what’s that point, you ask? Well, the DS N°8 wants to be the new luxury carriage for those who fancy a bit of magic in their drive; no pumpkins required.

More: DS No8 Breaks Cover As The New French Electric Flagship

The N°8 was revealed by none other than Olivier Francois, CEO of Fiat, Abarth, and DS Automobiles, who made a rather grandoise statement by calling the N°8 a “modern-day carriage.” This, of course, was meant to evoke the heritage of DS, a brand that’s barely old enough to legally drink in some countries. A bit of a stretch, sure, but it sets the stage for what was to follow.

In a rather Cinderella-esque moment at the end of the video, Francois parks the N°8 between an Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron and a BMW i4, both of which were conveniently de-badged, but we got the message loud and clear. To top it off, he delivered a final punchline:

“Well, I’m convinced that if Cinderella were written in 2025, she would undoubtedly ride in a N°8. And allow me to say, by next summer, when N°8 is launched, it might just be like the fairy tale: the 12 strokes of midnight may very well sound for the competition’s luxurious carriages.”

At this point, the Audi and BMW are transformed nto pumpkins, while the DS N°8 remains unscathed, because, of course, it’s the star of the show. For the uninitiated, Cinderella’s fairy godmother turned a pumpkin into a golden carriage to get her to the ball, only to have the magic wear off at midnight. You know, just in case you hadn’t picked up on the metaphor.

Now, setting aside the cheeky marketing, DS Automobiles has had a bit of a rough ride since its split from Citroen in 2014. Competing with more established brands in both sales and brand recognition has proven tricky.

Positioned as one of Stellantis’s premium brands alongside Lancia and Alfa Romeo but below Maserati, DS doesn’t have the decades of heritage that BMW or Mercedes-Benz can rely on. Instead, it shares its underpinnings with other Stellantis models, while attempting to carve out its own niche with quirky French styling, more upscale interiors, and a slightly more refined chassis setup. Think of DS like Genesis, but focused more on the lower segments—if that makes sense. And that’s the approach they’ve taken with the N°8, which is designed to challenge the sedans and coupe-SUVs in Europe’s premium midsize segment.

More: How Would You Save Stellantis?

Francois was quick to highlight that the 4.82-meter-long (189.8-inch) N°8 combines the elevated driving position of an SUV with the elegance and class of a grand sedan. It also boasts the longest range in its segment with up to 750 km (466 miles) on a single charge.

In the video, the CEO went on at length about the interior, claiming it offers “extreme comfort, beauty, silence, and refinement.” He also highlighted that the N°8’s seats provide a spa-like experience, complete with massaging, ventilating, and heating functions, plus, a neck warmer for good measure.

But, as with all things that sound too good to be true, it remains to be seen whether buyers will shell out for this French luxury crossover when they can just as easily reach for a more traditional choice from the likes of BMW, Audi, or Mercedes-Benz.

DS Automobiles

Stellantis might be navigating a whirlwind these days, but amidst the chaos of searching for a new CEO after Carlos Tavares abruptly resigned last week, the company has managed to find time to confirm that the next generation of the Fiat 500 will debut in 2032—even as it continuously pauses production of the current electric variant because, apparently, no one is buying it.

Commitment to Mirafiori Production

Additionally, the group has assured that production of the iconic Cinquecento will continue at the Mirafiori plant in Turin well beyond 2030, underscoring their commitment to maintaining a strong manufacturing presence in Italy.

Fiat might be having a hard time convincing people to buy the fully electric 500e, but the “Cinquecento” remains one of the most well-known nameplates in Europe’s city car segment. Jean-Philippe Imparato, former Alfa Romeo CEO and current Chief Operating Officer at Stellantis for the Enlarged Europe region, spoke about the model’s future during an interview with local media.

More: Abarth Is Done With ICE, Eyes A Larger Electric SUV

As reported by Quattroruote, Imparato has pledged to keep the Mirafiori plant busy with Fiat 500 production, even when the next generation arrives in 2032-2033. Before that happens, the Stellantis executive is trying to bring the mild-hybrid version of the current 500 model to the market as soon as possible. Imparato expects the Fiat 500 Ibrida to arrive around November 2025.

Revitalizing the 500 Lineup

According to COO, once the 500 lineup is complete with EV and mild-hybrid powertrain options, the goal is to “start again with about 100,000 cars a year.” Fiat recently had to pause production of the 500e due to slower-than-expected demand for the EV, a struggle that has persisted since 2020. The company kept the last-gen ICE-powered 500 in production until earlier this year before deciding to make the 500e compatible with mild-hybrid power.

According to Imparato, Turin is very important for Stellantis: “We’ll have the European organization, plus the sales people, plus the hybrid 500, plus the future of the 500 and this is a signal. In Turin we also have the e-Dct, which is the gearbox needed for the hybrid and is exported everywhere”.

Imparato offered his own explanation for the EV slowdown, attributing it to a financial crisis and pervasive uncertainty about the future:

“The global economic situation is not good and so people say: ‘Should I change my car now? I’m not sure. And should I get an electric, hybrid or traditional combustion engine?’. This is part of the uncertainty and beyond this it is said that individual mobility is about to change. But if I have to enter the center of a large Italian or even European city, what do I get? An electric? A hybrid? A plug-in? This fuels uncertainty. For me it is something that explains the current situation, beyond the economic crisis we are facing.”

The Chief Operating Officer added: “China will reach 90% electric within three years. We must push competitiveness and collaboration, to lighten costs: technology, batteries, software to be optimized. Stellantis is about to launch 14 models, including electric and hybrid, to face this competition. We will do it, it’s tough, we all know it, we need competitiveness, we need support.”

Stellantis is expected to make important announcements next week about its plans, as it’s trying to form an alliance with suppliers to continue the electric transition. Imparato is ensuring everyone that they won’t be closing down any factories in Italy, reaffirming Stellantis’ dedication to its Italian manufacturing roots.

DS Automobiles has announced the name of its upcoming fastback crossover, that will be called the N°8, while revealing the first photos of its dashboard. The model will be an EV-only affair, and its debut will take place in “a couple of weeks”.

The new EV was initially believed to adopt the DS8 moniker, but it turns out it introduces a new naming strategy for DS Automobiles. According to the company, the N° symbol is a nod to the French language, representing the usual way of writing “number” in French. The name is written on the tailgate of the N°8, with the ° designed like a diamond.

More: DS Marks 10th Anniversary With Slammed SM Tribute Concept

A similar treatment will be applied to DS Automobiles’ future lineup, although the company didn’t set a timeline for the change. Each model’s number will be indicative to its size and segment, as with the existing model range (DS3, DS4, DS7, DS9).

The Interior Of The DS N°8

In order to hype things up ahead of the upcoming reveal, DS published photos of the N°8’s interior, which introduces a new design language for the brand. Highlights include the new four-spoke steering wheel with integrated buttons, the digital cockpit with an ultra-wide infotainment display, and the floating center tunnel with what looks like touch-sensitive controls.

The boat-inspired cabin features premium materials, highlighted by the extensive use of ambient lighting. We can also see the Electra 3D audio system by Focal mounted high on the door cards.

An earlier teaser was focused on the exterior of the DS N°8, with photos of a lightly camouflaged prototype. The EV will have a drag coefficient of 0.24 cd thanks to the sleek roofline, the grille-less nose, the active bumper intakes, the low hood, and the flying buttresses. At the front, it features the DS Pixel Vision lights, mirroring the shape of the slim LED taillights.

The DS N°8 rides on the STLA Medium architecture and has an impressive electric range of up to 466 miles (750 km) between charges. DS has yet to reveal the specifications of the electric powertrain and didn’t say whether the N°8 will use a single-motor or a dual-motor setup. Furthermore, while the platform is compatible with mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, DS made it clear that the N°8 will be an electric-only offering.

We will learn everything about the DS N°8 on its official debut, which is only “a couple of weeks” away.

Update 12/12: Well, it’s that time of the week again, as Stellantis can’t seem to make up its mind about how long it wants to stop production at its Mirafiori plant in Italy. This time, we learn that the stoppage, which affects the electric Fiat 500 and the Maserati GranTurismo and GranCabrio, will extend until January 20, 2025, or two full weeks longer than previously announced. Production will halt starting December 18, 2024.

Stellantis stated it is still “assessing” its order books for January but declined to comment on media speculation about the sluggish sales of the Fiat 500e. “We will make announcements about January’s activities next week,” the company told Reuters in a statement. Stay tuned for the next chapter.

Original story follows below.

Lackluster demand for the all-electric Fiat 500e has once again prompted Stellantis to pause production at the Italian factory that builds this pint-sized electric hatchback. Despite Fiat’s hopes for the 500e to be a breakthrough model, the reality has been anything but.

Previously, Stellantis had confirmed that it will halt production at the Mirafiori plant between December 2 and January 5, 2025. Originally, the plant was scheduled to shut down from December 18 to January 5 due to the Christmas and New Year holidays. However, the company recently informed unions that production would also pause from December 2 through to December 17, extending the break further than initially planned.

Review: Fiat 500e Is A Stylish EV But At What Cost?

The Fiat 500e has proven to be a thorn in the side of Stellantis in recent months. In September, the car-making conglomerate revealed that 500e production would be paused from the second week of that month until October 11. Yet, halfway through the planned shutdown, Stellantis extended the halt until November 1.

The disruption won’t only affect the 500e. The Maserati GranTurismo and GranCabrio are also produced at the Mirafiori plant, meaning both models will be impacted by the December shutdown, Reuters reports.

The reception to the 500e has been particularly poor in the United States. Fewer than 500 examples have been sold locally this year, despite Fiat releasing several special edition models in recent months. These include the 500e Giorgio Armani, the 500e ‘Inspired By Los Angeles,’ the 500e ‘Inspired By Beauty,’ and another known as the ‘Inspired By Music.’

Read: Fiat Still Can’t Sell The 500e, Extends EV’s Production Halt

While many companies would consider cutting their losses after such disappointing sales, Stellantis is taking a different approach—at least for now. The brand has already committed to investing €100 million ($105 million) into developing a new high-performance battery for the 500e that should boost its dismal driving range and contribute to improved performance. Fiat is also reverse-engineering the 500e to accommodate a hybrid drivetrain with plans to launch this model in late 2025 or early 2026.

It’s Thanksgiving and that means it’s turkey time. However, we’re not talking about food as we’ve seen plenty of automotive turkeys this year.

One of the biggest might have been the EV push, which has backfired by virtually all accounts. While sales of electric vehicles are indeed climbing, it’s occurring much slower than many companies had anticipated. This has resulted in firms canceling or delaying future models as well as pushing back plans to go electric-only.

More: Stellantis Profits Crash In 2024, Some Brands Could Be Axed

If lackluster adoption wasn’t bad enough, President-elect Trump is expected to throw a wrench into the automotive industry. Besides talk of new tariffs, reports have suggested he wants to eliminate the EV tax credit. Even some Democrats have campaigned against electric vehicle mandates, suggesting the tide has turned against extensive government support.

Moving on, years of bad decisions have finally come back to haunt Stellantis. They’ve stopped the Jeep money printing machine, neglected several brands, and have flip-flopped about killing some off.

These issues are being compounded by union pressures on both sides of the Atlantic. The UAW has been particularly critical, going as far as launching ShitcanCarlos.com. They’ll get their wish soon enough as Carlos Tavares is slated to retire in 2026.

On the product side, Audi decided to launch a new brand named AUDI, while recalls seem like a daily occurrence for some brands. Subaru also appears intent on destroying its last redeeming qualities as the company confirmed plans to kill the Legacy after nearly four decades. The Outback is also set to transition from a cool wagon into an ugly SUV with all the character of an old refrigerator.

While those are just a few examples, who or what do you think was the biggest turkey this year?

BYD makes more EVs than anyone, and it makes them for less money than most Western automakers can comprehend. But there is a cost, and it’s being paid by the workers in its supply chains, according to a new report investigating human rights risks in the EV industry.

Amnesty International’s Recharge for Rights study ranked 13 automakers according to how they address human rights risks in their mineral supply chains. BYD came bottom with a score of just 11 out of a potential 90 points, with Mitsubishi not far behind on 13 points.

Related: Microsoft’s AI Helps Find Promising New Battery Material With 70% Less Lithium

Hyundai (21), Geely and Nissan (22 apiece) came out looking like bad guys but Tesla (49) and top-rated Mercedes (51) performed far better. Not that even Benz’s score was enough to please the Amnesty investigators, who suggest that only a total of 68 points or more shows an adequate commitment to human rights issues.

Although EVs don’t produce tailpipe emissions, their batteries need huge quantities of minerals like lithium, nickel, and cobalt. And while many of us are aware of the environmental damage caused by mining lithium, Amnesty International says the cobalt mining industry is ripe for the abuse of workers, some of whom in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, which generates 25 percent of the world’s supply, are children.

BYD was marked down for refusing to reveal the name of the smelter, refiner, and mine that supply its minerals, but Geely, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, and GM were all guilty of a lack of transparency. In contrast, the best-rated brands were able to provide supply-chain mapping.

Human rights score

“As the global transition to electric vehicles gains momentum, drives global competition and allows for huge profit, Amnesty International is calling on all car makers to improve their human rights due diligence efforts and bring them in line with international human rights standards,” said the organization’s Agnès Callamard.

The need for automakers to prove the origins of their batteries’ minerals to be eligible for EV credits has improved transparency, Wired notes. And there are steep fines (and market access restrictions) awaiting companies who flout rules governing supply chain welfare contained in the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive that came into force in Europe this summer.

But Callamard believes there’s more to be done.

“Those lagging behind need to work harder and faster to show that human rights isn’t just a fluff phrase, but an issue they take seriously,” she says. “It’s time to shift gears and ensure electric vehicles don’t leave behind a legacy of human rights abuses – instead, the industry must drive a just energy future that leaves no one behind.”

Automakers in the US have joined forces to ask Donald Trump not to scrap EV tax credits when he takes office next January. Volkswagen, GM, Toyota and other companies have invested tens of billions in developing electric vehicles and adapting plants to build them, and are worried they’ll be rendered uncompetitive if the incoming Republican government axes the sweetener.

Writing to Trump in a November 12 letter that has only recently come to light, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation argued that the incentives made available via President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act helped ensure America’s auto industry was “globally competitive” at a time when automakers are increasingly worried about the threat posed by their Chinese rivals.

Related: Is Time Running Out For $7,500 EV Tax Credits? Experts Advise Buyers To Hurry

But in the same letter the automakers also expressed their concern about “federal and state emissions regulations (particularly in California and affiliated states) that are out-of-step with current auto market realities and increase costs for consumers,” Reuters reports.

Biden’s team introduced tough tailpipe rules that get increasingly tighter the closer we get to 2035, the date California wants to ban the sale of combustion cars, a move that will be echoed in other states as well. But the automakers say this can only be achieved by selling more EVs, despite dealers finding that most customers would still rather have a combustion car or a hybrid.

Given Trump’s known stance on green matters – he previously rolled back President Obama’s emissions regulations, and his team has vowed to attack Biden’s rules – it seems entirely possible that automakers will be given more time to clean up their cars’ CO2 outputs. However, Politico reports that Trump probably won’t be able to claw back the $7.5 billion already earmarked for charging infrastructure projects because the funds have been committed.

The automakers also urged Trump to make legislative changes that would help speed up the development and rollout of self-driving cars. But when it came to automatic emergency braking, which the Democrats have insisted must be mandatory (and meet a tough universal standard) from 2029, the car companies asked for more time.

Stellantis has delayed the launch of several key EVs, choosing caution over haste as it looks to avoid the pitfalls of rushing unproven models to market. While a pragmatic move, it highlights the challenges the automaker faces as it navigates a rapidly shifting industry.

One of the most significant delays for the struggling carmaker is the Jeep Wagoneer S, a key model for the brand. Originally scheduled for a fall launch, it is now not expected to reach dealerships until the end of the year. Similarly, the production of the Dodge Charger Daytona has yet to begin, though dealerships still anticipate receiving their first units before the end of this year.

Read: Stellantis Reveals New STLA Frame Supporting EVs, Hybrids, Hydrogen, And ICE Trucks

Another delayed EV under the Stellantis umbrella is the Ram 1500 REV. The all-electric pickup truck, underpinned by the firm’s STLA Frame architecture, was first previewed in early 2023 and validation work continues to this day, pushing its launch back from late 2024 to 2025. According to Stellantis chief executive Carlos Tavares, the company doesn’t want to rush the launch of such an important model.

“We don’t want to take risks in terms of validation,” Tavares told Auto News. “It’s very important for Stellantis to demonstrate that we have all the capabilities and that we master the technology with a high level of durability, and that’s exactly what we are doing right now, so we don’t want to rush. It’s better to take a few weeks more to validate properly than to rush and then to make mistakes in terms of quality. That’s what we are doing now. We are validating and we are managing the peak between the products that we have ahead of us.”

But delays are only part of the equation. Stellantis faces an uphill battle with consumer skepticism around EVs, compounded by the potential rollback of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit under the incoming Trump administration. This would push prices higher, further complicating efforts to convince hesitant buyers. Tavares, however, remains bullish, believing that the driving experience itself will win over skeptics.

“It’s all about listening to the customer,” Tavares said. “They will ask us [for[ affordability. They will ask us to sell BEVs at the price of [gasoline vehicles] … At the end of the day, when I make the test drives of those [electric] vehicles, I always come with the same conclusion: It’s a better car.”

It’s a confident pitch, but one that ultimately rests on Stellantis’ ability to deliver. Whether buyers will share Tavares’ optimism when these delayed models finally hit the road remains an open question.

The latest multi-energy platform from Stellantis, the STLA Frame, has been unveiled, showcasing the kind of powertrain flexibility that carmakers increasingly need to stay relevant. Designed to support basically everything from internal combustion engines (ICE), hybrids, hydrogen, battery-electric (BEV), and range-extender vehicles, the STLA Frame is Stellantis’ response to an industry undergoing rapid technological transformation.

This modular platform serves as the foundation for the Ram 1500 REV and Ram 1500 Ramcharger, purpose-built for full-size, body-on-frame pickup trucks and SUVs. According to Stellantis, range-extender variants using the STLA Frame can achieve up to 690 miles (1,100 km) of range, while BEV models are capable of 500 miles (805 km) per charge. The platform is also engineered to handle up to 14,000 lbs (6,350 kg) of towing and a payload of 2,700 lbs (1,224 kg).

Read: 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger Is An Electric Truck That Actually Makes Sense, Thanks To A V6 Engine

At the heart of the STLA Frame is a high-strength steel structure, with a floor-integrated battery pack designed to lower the center of gravity and enhance rigidity. All models based on this architecture also come with a full-length belly pan to reduce aerodynamic drag, and it supports water fording of up to 24 inches (610 mm), which is important for pickups and SUVs.

To hit that 500-mile range, Stellantis equips the STLA Frame with liquid-cooled battery packs ranging from 159 kWh to 200 kWh. Charging times also get a technological boost. Thanks to an advanced 800-volt electrical architecture, BEV models can gain up to 100 miles of range in just 10 minutes on a 350 kW DC fast charger. Range-extender versions, which use a 400-volt system, manage a respectable 50 miles in 10 minutes using a 175 kW charger.

Rounding out the charging tech is bi-directional functionality, allowing these vehicles to power homes, charge other EVs, or even feed energy back into the grid.

Power Meets Performance

Big trucks with big batteries demand equally big power. The STLA Frame accommodates electric motors mounted at both the front and rear axles, each capable of delivering 335 hp. Combined, they promise brisk performance with a 0-60 mph (96 km/h) in as little as 4.4 seconds. That’s high-end sports car speed for what are essentially rolling power tools.

The Missing Pieces

Interestingly, Stellantis has yet to specify timelines for ICE, hybrid, and hydrogen-powered iterations of the platform. For now, the focus remains on BEVs and range-extender setups, as seen with the Ram 1500 REV and Ramcharger. This emphasis on electrification feels deliberate, but it leaves questions about how soon the other powertrains will make their debut.

As Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares explained, the STLA Frame delivers “best-in-class range, payload and towing for our customers who need reliable and powerful trucks and SUVs.” Tavares positioned the platform as a “no compromise” solution for buyers hesitant to embrace EVs, emphasizing its role in the company’s upcoming Jeep and Ram product blitz.

The electric vehicle revolution may have hit a speed bump recently, with many automakers cautiously tapping the brakes on their EV-only ambitions. But Abarth? The Scorpion brand is doubling down and has shown no signs of backpedaling. With the aging 595/695 range now retired, Abarth has said goodbye to internal combustion engines in Europe altogether—and hybrids didn’t even make the invite list.

While South America still enjoys hot ICE-powered Abarth versions of Fiat’s Pulse and Fastback crossovers, the European lineup is a different story, consisting exclusively of the electric 500e and 600e. Gaetano Thorel, head of Fiat and Abarth in Europe, has ruled out any combustion-powered comeback, citing strict emissions regulations and their associated costs in the region.

More: Fiat 600e Gets An Abarth Evil Twin With Up To 278 HP

“If you make a combustion sports hatch that emits 180g/km and you are in Italy, you have to pay between €1000 and €2000 road tax every year,” Thorel told Autocar. “Is it fair when I can give customers an electric sport hatch that behaves in the same way, has the same level of enjoyment and equivalent performance? All at the same price? I think it’s better to offer electric cars.”

What About Hybrids?

For those hoping the 2026 Fiat 500 Ibrida might spawn an Abarth version, think again. Thorel swiftly quashed that idea, stating that its mild-hybrid powertrain simply doesn’t pack enough punch to deserve the Scorpion emblem

“We need to stay true to the Abarth DNA, and the engine that goes in the new 500 is a micro-hybrid that does not allow you to extract the power to make a real Abarth, so it wouldn’t be possible.”

Sticking to Its Tuning Roots

Does this mean that Abarth will limit itself to the 500e and 600e? It’s European boss doesn’t think so: “To me, Abarth can be developed on anything as long as it has Abarth DNA. I personally don’t see a limit on Abarth cars just being A-segment or B-segment hatchbacks. If the SUV is possible, then why not?”

Fiat’s Panda-themed concepts from early 2024 hinted at a larger electric SUV set for release in 2027. This model could provide the perfect foundation for an Abarth-branded SUV, giving the Scorpion badge an opportunity to expand into entirely new segments.

However, despite plans for a wider range, Thorel made it clear that Abarth won’t pursue the development of bespoke models, at least for the foreseeable future: “Carlo Abarth never made a car from scratch. Abarth DNA is to take a conventional car and stretch its performance through engine, dynamics and sound, in order to make it sporty and accessible. We want to remain true to this DNA, so we will not launch a bespoke Abarth for the time being.”

This means Abarth will continue to produce spiffed-up versions of Fiat models, distinguishing itself from rivals like Alpine, which gets to create standalone cars alongside tuning Renaults.

Peugeot has proudly claimed that the new E-3008 Long Range has completed a trip between Paris and Nice, requiring “only two stops for recharging,” and according to the carmaker, has set a “new benchmark in long-range electric vehicle performance.” While the carmaker seems proud of the achievement, it doesn’t seem all that impressive.

Peugeot lifted the veil on the new E-3008 in September. The stylish SUV is equipped with a 96.9 kWh battery and offers a claimed WLTP range of 435 miles (700 km). That’s a very solid figure and rivals some other electric SUVs from China, which lead the way when it comes to advanced EV battery technologies.

Read: Peugeot 3008 And 5008 Gain New PHEV And Long-Range EV Options

A quick search on Google Maps reveals that the distance between Paris and Nice is between 583 miles (938 km) and 633 miles (1,019 km), depending on the route taken. Stellantis has provided no specific details about the route it selected for the journey, only saying it was a journey of around 620 miles (~1,000 km). It added the “journey maintained a speed of up to the highway limit of 81 mph (130 km/h), with an average temperature of 20 degrees Celsius.” Peugeot also didn’t reveal the average speed for the trip, nor did it say how long the E-3008 spent plugged in during the two recharging stops.

What we do know is that the first stop was done after 211 miles (340 km), while the second stop was made after another 227 miles (366 km).

Peugeot’s parent company Stellantis proclaims that vehicles underpinned by the STLA Medium Platform, like the E-3008, offer performance “comparable to an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle that pauses for refueling and driver rest.” But, let’s be honest, there are plenty of ICE vehicles which could travel that entire distance without needing to stop once.

Stellantis added, “the STLA Medium long-range version is the only platform in its class capable of covering nearly 1,000 km at highway speeds with just two charging stops.” While that statement sounds nice, it’s rather meaningless without details about those “charging stops.” If each of those stops required the battery to be charged from 5-100%, that’s very different from charging stops where the battery is only topped up from 70-100%. There’s no word on how quickly the EV could be recharged, either.

The firm’s simulations show that its STLA Medium platform-based EVs can also travel from Turin to Naples and from Prague to Brussels with two charging stops each. We’ve reached out to Stellantis seeking additional information about the E-3008’s journey from Paris to Nice and will update this story when we hear back.

Update: A Dodge spokesperson responded to our inquiry, simply stating that they “have not made any new announcements regarding future product plans” for the launch of the gasoline-powered Charger. The response leaves room for some speculation, as it could be interpreted to mean that no official changes to the timeline have been communicated—neither confirming nor refuting the adjustments rumored by Mopar Insiders.

The automotive world is in a constant state of flux, with manufacturers scrambling to adapt to evolving regulations, market forces, and shifting customer tastes. Stellantis appears to be no exception. If a recent report is to be believed, the ICE-powered Dodge Charger featuring an inline-six engine may arrive sooner than originally planned, with a revised launch target rumored for mid-2025.

When Dodge revealed the new-generation Charger earlier this year, it announced plans to launch the electric Daytona before the end of 2024, followed by the ICE Charger Sixpack in Q1 2025. However, as is often the case in the auto industry, this timeline quickly fell apart. Shortly after the announcement, Dodge quietly pushed back the ICE Charger’s launch to “late 2025.”

More: How Does The 2024 Dodge Charger Coupe Compare To The Challenger?

Now, however, a sharp reversal seems to be in the works. According to Mopar Insiders, citing unnamed sources, Dodge has advanced the ICE Charger’s introduction by a full five months. The same sources suggest that Dodge has already assembled test mules of the Charger at the Windsor Assembly Plant, indicating that pilot production could begin as early as December 2024. If all goes according to plan, the first examples could hit U.S. dealerships by early summer 2025, rather than towards the end of the year.

We reached out to Stellantis for comment, but the company has yet to respond. Updates will follow as soon as (or if) they decide to weigh in.

If the report holds true, the decision to accelerate the ICE Charger’s rollout could stem from several factors, including Trump’s recent election as the next U.S. president, which some fear could disrupt EV incentives and emissions regulations. Another, perhaps less dramatic and more pragmatic, explanation could be the slower-than-expected EV adoption, particularly in the muscle car segment, which remains firmly tied to the visceral appeal of internal combustion. Additionally, pressure from dealerships to replace the Challenger with an ICE model may also be influencing the decision.

More: Dodge Tries To Woo Charger Daytona EV Lessees With Extra $1,000 Loyalty Discount

With the Dodge Challenger and Chevrolet Camaro both consigned to the history books, the Ford Mustang is the only remaining ICE-powered muscle car on sale. Ford isn’t shy about its strategy either, stating that will keep the V8-powered Mustang in production for as long as possible, reveling in the absence of any direct competition from other American automakers. It remains to be seen if the six-cylinder Dodge Charger will be able to steal a portion of the pie when it arrives next year.

Under the hood, the Dodge Charger Sixpack will pack a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter Hurricane inline-six engine, offered in two states of tune: 420 hp (426 PS) and a meatier 550 hp (558 PS). While its styling remains broadly consistent with the EV Charger Daytona, the ICE version stands apart with a few mild touches including extra bumper intakes, a bulging hood, and, of course, dual tailpipes.

Meanwhile, Dodge has already begun taking orders for the fully electric Charger Daytona as of mid-September 2024, with pricing starting at $59,595. First deliveries are penciled in for Q4 2024, although some rumors of development delays have raised questions about whether that timeline will hold.

Update 12/18: It’s been a full year since we last heard any updates about the upcoming Lancia Gamma, but today there’s news, and it signals a slight shift in Stellantis’ plans. While the automaker previously seemed committed to making the Gamma an all-electric model, it now plans to offer hybrid versions as well, reflecting a broader adjustment to its electrification strategy across its brands. Stellantis is leaning on its adaptable STLA platforms to accommodate both EVs and hybrids, giving buyers more options in a market that still favors variety.

The announcement was made on Wednesday during the Stellantis Roundtable, held at the Ministry of Business and Made in Italy (MIMIT). The meeting saw Stellantis commit to €2 billion ($2.1 billion) in investments for Italian production, a move aimed at strengthening its relationship with the Italian government. Stellantis’ European boss, Jean-Philippe Imparato, revealed that the Gamma would include hybrid powertrains to meet evolving market demands.

Lancia released a statement explaining the decision:

“The decision to expand the offer of the new model with electrified engines represents a concrete response to real market demands and allows any mobility need to be satisfied. All this translates into a predictable growth in production volumes and a consequent increase in the brand’s competitiveness on the global market.”

The Gamma will use Stellantis’ STLA Medium multi-energy platform, which supports both hybrid and electric configurations. Production of the model is scheduled to begin at Stellantis’ Melfi plant in Italy in 2026.

Original story follows below.

Lancia has unveiled its roadmap for the upcoming decade, and it’s no surprise that electrification takes center stage. The journey began with the introduction of the new Ypsilon in 2024, which will be followed by the launch of the flagship Gamma in 2026, and culminating with a new electrified Delta in 2028.

The Italian brand confirmed that the upcoming Ypsilon will be offered in both pure battery-powered and hybrid variants. However, beginning in 2026, the company will exclusively introduce new EVs, and by 2028, their entire lineup will consist solely of electric-powered models. This implies that the hybrid Ypsilon will have a relatively short lifespan, lasting only four years.

In 2026, Lancia is set to debut its first exclusive electric vehicle, to be manufactured at Stellantis’ Melfi plant in Italy. Measuring in at 185 inches (4.7 meters) long, it will be roughly the same size as a BMW 4-series. Lancia’s CEO, Luca Napolitano, says that it will be an elegant fastback that is based on the STLA medium platform. Notably, he had previously confirmed the resurrection of the Gamma nameplate. “Our second flagship car, slated to debut in 2026, will be named ‘Gamma,'” Napolitano affirmed.

More: What We Know About The 2028 Lancia Delta Premium Hatch

“The flagship of Casa Lancia will be a beautiful and elegant Italian car, beautiful outside and beautiful inside, where it will really look like you feel in the living room of an Italian house,” said Napolitano. “The STLA Medium platform will be perfect for Lancia, as a native BEV will be very efficient and will guarantee high levels of comfort, offering both a front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive version.”

Thanks to its platform, Lancia anticipates that the flagship model will get up to 435 miles (700 km) of range per charge. It also expects 50 percent of the EV’s sales to come from European countries outside of Italy.

Illustrations Francois Hubert/SB-Medien for CarScoops

Unfortunately, few details have been revealed about the new Delta, which is due in 2028, but speaking to Italian media in the past, Luca Napolitano confirmed the return of the compact model saying: “It will return and it will be a true Delta – an exciting car, a manifesto of progress and technology, and obviously it will be electric”.

All three of the vehicles announced by Lancia today form part of Stellantis’ Dare Forward 2030 strategy. The automaker hopes the plan will allow it to emit no carbon by 2038.

Note: The Delta and Gamma illustrations are freelancers and have no connection to Lancia whatsoever.

Solid-state batteries promise to revolutionize electric vehicles and Stellantis has announced they’ll be installed in the Dodge Charger Daytona by 2026. However, before you get too excited, these models will simply form a demonstration fleet.

The prototypes will have Factorial solid-state batteries with an energy density in excess of 390 Wh/kg. The companies didn’t reveal many other details, but said the batteries offer “substantial advantages” over their traditional lithium-ion counterparts. These include a “higher energy density, reduced weight, improved performance, and a potential for further reduction in total vehicle cost over time.”

More: New Solid-State Batteries From Mercedes And Factorial Could Boost EV Range By 80%

That’s a winning combination, so the two companies are taking the next step towards commercialization. As part of this effort, the prototypes will be used to validate the battery technology and assess performance in real-world driving conditions.

Stellantis invested $75 million into Factorial in 2021 and the company’s Chief Engineering and Technology Officer, Ned Curic, said “By integrating Factorial’s innovative battery solution into the STLA Large platform, we are validating its potential to enhance our electric vehicle lineup, ensuring customers benefit from improved performance, longer driving ranges and faster charging times in the coming years.”

Upgraded Wind Tunnel Focused On EV Aerodynamics

In other news, Stellantis unveiled a high-tech wind tunnel with “moving ground plane” technology at their research and development center in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The automaker said the upgraded tunnel will enable them to “measure and reduce airflow resistance from wheels and tires, which can account for up to 10% of total real-world aerodynamic drag.”

This promises to make future EVs more aerodynamic, which will help to increase their range or allow for the use of smaller, cheaper batteries. Besides the focus on aerodynamics, there are technological improvements including an automation capability. As the automaker explained, “changes to wheelbase and track testing, which can take as much as two hours in conventional wind tunnels, can now be done in minutes.”

Given its presence in North America, it’s not surprising to learn this wind tunnel is focused on super-sized vehicles based on the STLA Large and STLA Frame platforms.

Stellantis is looking to cut production of some of its internal combustion-powered models to comply with 2025 EU emissions targets. This comes after chief executive Carlos Tavares recently revealed the firm opposes any delay in changes to the rules and says it will comply with them and won’t need to pay fines to do so.

Newly-appointed European chief operating officer Jean-Philippe Imparato has revealed that Stellantis must double its EV share next year to 24% of total vehicles if it wants to meet 2025 targets. The other option is to reduce production of ICE models if demand for their EVs doesn’t increase.

Read: Stellantis Selling Arizona Proving Grounds As Cost Cuts Continue

Updated EU rules come into effect on January 1 and will set an overall fleet CO2 emissions target of 95 grams per kilometer, a fall from the 106.6 g/km rule enforced since 2023. If an automaker misses the target, they will face fines of €95 per excess gram per vehicle. Imparato told Auto News that production cuts for the firm’s ICE models could start as early as November 1, confirming that his “first task is to align production for vehicles sold in the first quarter of 2025,” by the first week of November.

According to Imparato, Stellantis has several ways it can attempt to boost EV sales. For example, it will increase dealer incentives on EVs, providing rewards across the entire distribution chain, including zone managers and salespeople. The carmaking giant may also look to increase the prices of its ICE models “on a flexible basis, by model, brand, and market,” in an attempt to encourage shoppers to consider an EV.

There’s more Stellantis can do to help dealers. Many dealers have recently returned EVs from lease agreements in 2021 and 2022, and Imparato says the brand can help dealers with their residuals. Additionally, the executive says Stellantis can look to leverage the long-term value of EVs and effectively sell an electric model three times – once through an initial lease and then two more leases as a used vehicle.

Leapmotor should also help Stellantis meet emissions targets. The carmaker purchased a 51% controlling stake in the Chinese brand’s international arm, and its sales will count in the group’s overall emissions figures.

Carlos Tavares might have his hands full with challenges at Stellantis in North America, but that hasn’t stopped him from bluntly sounding the alarm about the future of European car manufacturing. The Stellantis CEO sees the writing on the wall—Europe’s automotive sector is teetering on the edge of overcapacity, and he believes local carmakers may be forced to shut down plants as a result.

The cause? Not just weak demand or shifting markets, but the influx of Chinese EV makers establishing operations right in Europe’s backyard.

EU member states recently supported steep increases in import duties on Chinese-made EVs to counter the unfair subsidies provided by the Chinese government. However, many Chinese brands are already looking to sidestep these measures by shifting production to Europe, a move that Tavares believes could further exacerbate the region’s overcapacity issues.

Read: China’s Dongfeng Could Build Over 100,000 Electrified Cars Annually In Italy

“It increases the overcapacity of the manufacturing system of Europe,” he told Auto News at the Paris Auto Show. “The way to avoid customs duties is to build in Europe. You are accelerating the need to shut down plants.”

Several countries in Europe are courting Chinese brands, trying to convince them to manufacture vehicles on local shores. Italy is particularly eager to attract new carmakers and has held talks with numerous carmakers. Its efforts could soon pay off as the Italian government is in advanced discussions with Dongfeng Motor to build a local factory, perhaps capable of building 100,000 electrified vehicles annually.

Leading Chinese carmaker BYD is also investing heavily in Europe. The company’s executive vice president Stella Li said that the majority of their EVs destined for the European market will be manufactured at a plant in Hungary. BYD is also going to source parts from as many European suppliers as possible and only intends to import battery cells from its home country. While this is good news for consumers and will increase competition, it’s hardly a surprise that Tavares appears nervous about Chinese brands setting up shop in Europe.

While Dongfeng’s plans for Italy are causing a stir, Tavares is skeptical that Chinese carmakers will try to establish factories in Europe’s larger, more expensive markets. Germany, France, and Italy simply don’t offer the same cost advantages as smaller nations like Hungary.

“Chinese carmakers will not go to Germany or France or Italy to build their cars, because they would have cost disadvantages there, starting from energy costs,” he told Auto News, predicting that Chinese brands will instead focus their investments in countries where the economics make more sense.

The boss of Stellantis admitted that the car-making giant fully supports a European ban on ICE vehicles, even though launching new EVs and convincing consumers to buy them can be challenging.

During a media roundtable at the Paris Auto Show, Carlos Tavares noted that in addition to Stellantis being prepared for the European ICE ban in 2035, the company is ready for stricter emissions and fuel economy regulations in the US. He is eager to see the conglomerate do its part to fight climate change.

Read: Stellantis To Review The Future Of Its 14 Brands By 2026, Says CEO Tavares

“We want to be on the right side of history,” Tavares said. “We do not ask for any kind of delay. We just ask for the stability of the rules to be working properly and serving the societies in which we are operating. And I think that if you ask to delay, it means then all of this is not a significant problem. So the fires, the flooding, the hurricanes, all of this is not a problem.”

“The other day, my youngest daughter was driving her car in a forest in Portugal, and the forest was on fire,” he added. “She had to drive through the forest on fire. The door panel on the right hand side melted. So how do you feel if one of your daughters is in this position and you say, ‘I’m going to ask to dispose the CO2 regulations’? There is a moment where we need to face reality. If the problem is real, we must contribute to fix it. Is it tough? Yes, it’s super tough. There is no discussion. It’s super tough. But I think it’s the right thing to do.”

Stellantis is spending roughly $15 billion per year on electric vehicles and, by the end of this year, will have 40 EVs available in Europe. However, it’s facing significant upwinds, particularly in the US.

US difficulties

The company’s US sales have collapsed through the first nine months of the year, and Stellantis is working to reduce huge inventories across many of its popular brands. It’s also dealing with the challenges of introducing new EVs into the local market, with Tavares noting that many consumers aren’t willing to pay a premium for an EV and want the charging infrastructure to improve.

“You insert an additional cost of 40% in a system, which is very constrained, obviously it creates a lot of tension, and obviously it creates anxiety,” Tavares told The Detroit News. “We are all facing the same reality. And my people, they also have anxiety, but we are dealing with it. We are dealing with it, and everybody needs to take a fair share and deal with it.”

Citroen introduced the C5 Aircross Concept at the Paris Auto Show 2024, previewing the next generation of its compact SUV which is set to debut next year. The C5 Aircross has grown in size and adopts a sharper design language compared to its predecessor, while retaining its focus in comfort and practicality. The new model will ride on the STLA Medium platform, which is compatible with combustion, hybrid, and fully electric powertrains.

Citroen describes the C5 Aircross Concept as a “dense, muscular, and organic block, sculpted for aerodynamics”. Indeed, the exterior is characterized by boxy features, similar to the smaller C3 and C3 Aircross, with a few tricks to improve the aerodynamic efficiency.

Review: Here’s Why I Bought A Citroen C5 Aircross As A Family Hauler

The family-friendly SUV measures 4.65 mm (183 inches) long, which is 150 mm (5.9 inches) longer compared to the outgoing generation. A few details of the concept are expected to be toned-down for production, including the ultra-thin LED taillights that stick out of the bodywork like fins, and the greenhouse.

The automaker didn’t show us the interior, but promised it will be spacious, offering high levels of comfort for five passengers. They also talk about a “wellness area in the spirit of a lounge”, describing it as a “genuine cocoon on wheels”. Equipment will include a host of ADAS, and the latest infotainment and connectivity features.

The 2025 C5 Aircross will swap the aging EMP2 architecture for the new STLA Medium platform, which already underpins the Peugeot 3008 / 5008 and the Opel Grandland. The latter has an identical footprint, making us believe it will be the closest relative to the upcoming C5 Aircross.

Multiple Powertrain Options

The French brand confirmed that the compact SUV will be available with gasoline, hybrid, and fully electric powertrains, without getting into specifics. Chances are that the base option will be the mild-hybrid turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine with 134 hp (100 kW / 136 PS), which is widely used within the Stellantis group.

More: Chunky New Citroen C3 Aircross Ups Its Mini-SUV Game With EV And 7-Seat Options

It is not clear if Citroen plans on offering a plug-in hybrid version of the C5 Aircross, mirroring the lineups of the Peugeot 3008 and 5008. As for the first-ever fully electric e-C5 Aircross, this one could offer a choice between a 73 kWh or a 98 kWh battery pack, with a maximum range of 700 km (435 miles). Judging from the mechanically-related SUVs, the EV will likely be offered with single-motor (FWD) and dual-motor (AWD) setups.

With the upcoming demise of the C5 X after the end of its current lifecycle, the new C5 Aircross will eventually become the flagship offering of Citroen. We will learn more details about the production version as we get closer to its launch in 2025.