Stellantis boosts the power of its plug-in hybrids to 240 hp... without modifying a single mechanical part.

Barely a year ago, Stellantis was already carrying out a discreet but symbolic evolution of its lightweight hybrid powertrains. On paper, the 1.2L MHEV engine gained a few horsepower, from 100 to 110 hp, and from 136 to 145 hp. A modest increase, but indicative of a clear strategy: optimizing performance without technical revolution. Today, the Group is taking another step forward, this time with its rechargeable hybrids.

An increase in power... without any mechanical changes

With the arrival of Euro 7 standards, Stellantis has had to adapt the way it communicates the power of its plug-in hybrid models. In the firing line: the new GTR21 homologation protocol, which redefines the calculation of combined power between combustion engine and electric motor.

As a result, the official power ratings of models such as the Peugeot 3008, Peugeot 5008 and Peugeot 408 have changed. The 1.6L EP6 PHEV engine goes from 195 hp to 225 hp, and from 225 hp to 240 hp.

But be warned: this does not mean any real gain in performance. Neither the combustion engine nor the electric motors have been modified. What has changed is the way power is measured and announced. In other words, the figures are now more representative of real-life conditions, where previously combined power could be misleading.

A logic already seen with the 1.2L MHEV

This development is strongly reminiscent of what happened with the 1.2L mild-hybrid engine. On the Alfa Romeo Junior, notably in its Q4 version, advertised power increased from 136 to 145 hp, without profound transformation of the system.

Even back then, this increase was intended to better reflect the reality of use, particularly in hybrid configurations where the engines do not always deliver their maximum power simultaneously. The Junior Q4 is an interesting case in point: initially announced at 136 hp, it was finally made official at 145 hp, just like its technical cousin, the Jeep Avenger 4xe. On paper, this upgrade improved responsiveness and performance, but without any real technical revolution. Since then, almost all Stellantis models equipped with this engine have 145 hp.

Greater transparency with Euro 7

Behind these changes lies a European desire to harmonize and clarify technical data. The Euro 7 standard is not limited to emissions: it also imposes greater transparency for consumers.

In the case of rechargeable hybrids, power depends on a number of factors: battery charge level, temperature, electronic management and the connection between the motors. In practice, therefore, it's impossible to simply add thermal and electrical power. The new protocol corrects this ambiguity, providing a value more consistent with actual use.

What impact for Italian brands?

For the time being, this development remains mainly visible at Peugeot. The Group's Italian brands, such as Alfa Romeo, Lancia and Fiat, do not yet offer this 1.6L EP6 PHEV engine in their current ranges.

But that could soon change. Future models are already on everyone's mind, including the future Lancia Gamma and the Alfa Romeo A4U SUV, sometimes referred to as the Brera. These models could feature this plug-in hybrid powertrain, now available with up to 240 hp. If so, they'll immediately benefit from this new reading of power, more flattering on paper, but above all more in line with reality.

In the final analysis, Stellantis has not increased the power of its engines in the mechanical sense of the term. But by adapting its figures to a new standard, the group is improving the legibility of its offering and reinforcing consistency between its models.