Alexandre
While Stellantis had hitherto concentrated its efforts on light hybrid (MHEV) and electric powertrains for new models, the tide seems to be turning. A new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) strategy is taking shape for the Group, and the Szentgotthárd plant in Hungaryplays a key role in this transition. With an ambitious target of 220,000 engines produced per yearStellantis strengthens its position in the PHEV segment. This turning point could transform the European offer and open up new prospects for its brands, including Italian ones.
A transition to rechargeable hybrids
For several years now, Stellantis has shown a clear determination to move towards a 100 % electric future, notably through its strategic plan. Dare Forward 2030. And yet, until recently, PHEV technology played only a marginal role in the range. Conversely, manufacturers such as BMW, Volvo and Porsche have made plug-in hybrids a pillar of their strategy.
Recent developments around the 1.6L turbo plug-in hybrid marks a significant breakthrough. This engine, dubbed EP6 GEN3has already begun production in july 2024 in the Szentgotthárd plant in Hungary. The same plant also produces the 1.2L GEN3 engine, reinforcing its strategic importance in the Stellantis European ecosystem.
Szentgotthárd: at the heart of Europe's PHEV strategy
Formerly an Opel plant, the Szentgotthárd site in Hungary has been modernized to meet the needs of Stellantis. With an annual volume announced at 220,000 unitsThis 1.6L PHEV engine will power the European models of the Group's brands using the STLA Medium and STLA Large.
The first vehicles to benefit from this technology include the new Peugeot 3008with a power rating of 195 ea.. Eventually, this engine could also be fitted to premium models, such as the future hybrid versions of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio and Giuliareinforcing the appeal of Italian brands in Europe.
Production designed not only for Europe
Although the Szentgotthárd plant will concentrate on European production, some engines will also be shipped abroad (without specifying which countries).
In the United States, the integration of the 1.6L PHEV engine remains uncertain, as the North American market still favors PHEV blocks. GME (2.0L and 3.0L). However, it was announced several months ago that this 1.6L engine will also be produced in the USA, at the Dundee plantin Michigan.
Why a 1.6L PHEV engine now?
Stellantis' PHEV strategy draws heavily on the advances of its joint venture Punch Powertrain. The development of transmission e-DCT plug-in has enabled us to reach a technological milestone. Tested under extreme conditions in Spain and Finlande, this plug-in hybrid transmission is now ready for series production.
The target of 220,000 units is ambitious, yet essential. According to Jato Dynamics, PHEV cars will account for 489,000 units in Europe in the first half of 2024, with no Stellantis in the top 10.
Italian brands in the front line?
The big question is whether Stellantis brandsAlfa Romeo and Lancia will all benefit from this new engine. With ambitious production volumes and compatibility with the STLA Medium and Large platforms, it seems obvious that models like Stelvio and Giulia plug-in hybrids could soon be available.
This development would offer Alfa Romeo a competitive alternative to rivals such as BMW and Mercedes, who offer PHEV and 100 % electric solutions.
(Journalists: please quote italpassion).
Who designed this 1.6 plug-in hybrid engine?
By broken arms, of course.
EP6 GEN3 engine, the third evolution of the EP6 block dating back to the Peugeot 207. Designed at the time in partnership with BMW for its Mini and S1 models. It's had a rough go of it with its chaotic timing chain, but it's been a reliable engine for many years now.
It's heading straight for the wall.
Who's going to buy a 50-plate Alfa Romeo with a Hungarian 1.6L PureToc under the hood? Honestly...
I've never seen such a descentada, it's frightening.
You put Ferrari at Stallentis, and in 6 months they end up with a cardboard L3/L4...
Senseless drivel. Get a grip please
On the contrary, it is very sensible, and it is Stellantis which should get its act together, I invite you to look at the (disastrous) sales figures.
It would be good to argue your comment...
Yes, as if the current 1.6L phev with 225, 250, 300 and 360 hp didn't exist?
A top-of-the-range Stelvio 1.6L phev won't go down well.
It's a simplified, modernized EP6 running on the miller cycle like the EB gen3.
It's true that the Junior 1.2 PureTech hybrid is already shocking, so a Giulia or Stelvio with a PureTech 1.6 PHEV would be even worse.
Stellantis should try to understand that people won't want to buy Alfa Romeo and Lancia just because he's selling the same engines seen elsewhere in the group. When's Tavares leaving?
100.% d'accord
Ep6.... ep6, the engine with such a good reputation that paved the way 1.2 pure.....?
Club Purtoc has struck again. You speak without knowing. I wish I had all the knowledge you need.
Good evening
I hope they didn't put a timing belt back in the oil and fired the engineer who came up with it - a scandal for Peugeot!
Simple good logic... all the premiums go to the 4 cylinder phev for the nice powers.. one can grumble, roll on the floor but it's that or the ve..... perso, glc 400e..... apres moultes V6 allemands italiens.... bin au final c'est plutôt pas mal de switcher elec/thermique
Pretend that the problem is switching to a 4-cylinder engine lol... it's already a 4-cylinder GME under the hood of the Giulia, Stelvio and Ghibli hybrids...
Come on, let's stop the circus for 2 minutes, you know the problem, everyone does...
Carlos Tavares is really starting to piss off the French carmaker and the other European automotive contributors, so let's kick him out without any compensation. Out with nothing as a pensioner and without a single euro, this gentleman has done nothing but stupid things.
What about reliability? Engine with belt in oil (puretoc) or 7mm chain that breaks (bluehdmerde)?
There are 3-cylinder BMWs and they sell! A three-cylinder in a premium brand - look for the mistake - and yet it works.
The problem isn't 4 cylinders, 3 cylinders, 2 cylinders or 1 cylinder... And you know it...
This complacency towards PSA is unhealthy. This group hasn't produced a reliable petrol engine in almost 20 years. Factual.
The only 3-cylinder not too bad is the GR Yaris. BMW's cars are now tasteless and increasingly ugly.
Peugeot was the leader in diesel engines with the 2-liter while Ford puts a 2.5 you put a 1.6 it's the end of Peugeot that's it after 43 years of loyalty it's the end of Peugeot because of management that does not know the quality is managers not mechanics good luck
It's a catastrophe
Carlos Tavares is destroying everything in his path...
I've been an Alfist for a very long time and I'll never buy an avatar product resulting from Stellantis' stupid policy.
Hope returns with Tavares' resignation.
Is this the new Puretech?
Personally I drive a 3008 hybrid 225 equipped with the 1.6 .
It's a pure delight. I'm not even talking about the sport mode, where the 225 hp make the asphalt speak for itself, and the comfort of driving with its EAT8 gearbox ...
And if I had to buy a used plug-in hybrid, since unfortunately I've stopped on the latest model, I'd buy the 3008 hybrid 225hp without hesitation.
I bought a new 3008 hybrid rechargeable 225 hp equipped with this 1.6 l engine developed by Peugeot and BMW; I must admit I'm very satisfied; it's a high-performance, comfortable, well-finished car; all I can regret is the short range in all-electric mode.
I wouldn't judge this engine, I don't know it, but I almost fell for a 2008 puretech at the beginning when it was voted engine of the year. 3 years in a row if you don't mind me saying so, but the belt-in-oil technology scared me and I had a good nose for it, I'm not a mechanic but I've always maintained my old cars myself. Seeing a belt in the oil... I really asked the salesman at the time... Whose stupid idea was that?
Today, beyond this industrial debacle, it's the way wealthy customers are taken care of that prevents me from going to stellentis. And even if a brilliant engine were to come out, I wouldn't trust this group at all.
Tavarles has resigned, but that won't be the end of it, unless a drastic turnaround and change in SAV policy makes me change my mind, but I doubt it...