Stellantis is planning on switching entirely to electric passenger vehicles in Europe by 2030, and they’re aiming for 50 percent in the US. This is quite a big dream for the future and it’s all part of their Dare Forward 2030 plan. Even though EVs are cooling off a bit in the US, Stellantis is still charging ahead. But that doesn’t mean they’re ditching a gas engine altogether—they’re ready to make them if people want them.
Gas versions of an EV
According to a recent WardsAuto report, Stellantis CFO Natalie Knight mentioned that the company is flexible enough to build gas-powered cars from their electric platforms. It’s not the first time we’ve heard this, but the report gives a wider perspective. Basically, if there’s demand for a gas version of an EV, Stellantis is game to make it.
Knight has mentioned that the company wants to stay closer to the consumers, saying, “If we see an opportunity with models we launched as BEVs, we’ll consider it,” she said, according to WardsAuto.
Stellantis’ CFO Natalie Knight shared some interesting news while discussing the company’s first-quarter shipments and revenues. She highlighted the Jeep Wagoneer S, which debuted in January 2024 and will initially be sold as an electric vehicle. However, there’s a possibility they might add a gasoline-powered version later if there’s enough demand, according to Wards Auto. It could even end up as a hybrid or without any electrification at all.
In contrast, Jeep’s new CEO Antonio Filosa mentioned that while hybridizing the Wagoneer S isn’t planned, they might consider a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the upcoming all-electric Recon.
Following the demands of consumers
Knight emphasized, “We want to stay close to our customers, and if we see an opportunity with models we launched as BEVs, we’ll look into it.” Stellantis has big plans for 2024, aiming to launch 25 new models globally, with 18 being electric. But that doesn’t mean they’ll stay electric-only forever.
Even though Stellantis is aiming for an all-electric future, they have these new STLA platforms that can handle electric and combustion engines. They see it as a big plus, and why not? With the auto industry shifting from gas to electric, having that kind of flexibility is definitely a win. But it makes you wonder—what if by 2030, 75 percent of US buyers still want gas-powered cars? Would that change the 50-percent electric goal in their Dare Forward 2030 plan?
Gasoline versions of EVs
Stellantis’ brands have the flexibility to create gasoline versions of EVs thanks to their multi-energy platforms. For instance, the new Dodge Charger will start as an EV in 2024 but will get a 3.0-liter straight-six engine option in 2025. The Jeep Avenger, which debuted as an all-electric model in 2023, added a gasoline-electric hybrid drivetrain in early 2024. The Peugeot 208 also offers both piston and battery power options.
The Fiat 500e, a retro-styled hatchback, might be next to get a gasoline engine due to slow sales as an EV.
Stellantis, like many competitors, is increasingly focusing on plug-in hybrid models. The top-selling PHEVs in the US include the Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Dodge Hornet, according to Wards Auto.
While the future is up in the air, a Stellantis spokesperson said they are committed to their 2030 goals. They’re still aiming for 50 percent electric in the US and 100 percent in Europe. EV sales are doing well in Europe, but it’s a different story in the US. Some models are doing okay, but overall, it’s a tougher market. With 2030 only six years away, getting to a lineup that’s half electric might be a tough sell for American buyers unless something major changes in the market.