Stellantis will further develop its 1.2L EB2 engine, formerly known as Puretech.

While Stellantis is rolling out its 1.2L EB2 Gen3 engine on a large scale. Present in most B and C segment models, particularly in its 48V hybrid version, this combustion engine is about to undergo a new evolution.

From the criticized PureTech to the 1.2 EB2 Gen3

This engine, infamous under its former name PureTech, had suffered a bad reputation because of its oil-immersed timing belt. Since 2023, the third-generation EB2 Gen3 has replaced the belt with a chain, along with other evolutions designed to improve reliability. And despite its reputation, Stellantis continues to invest in this engine.

From MHEV to HEV: the real technological leap

Today, Stellantis' 1.2 Hybrid 48V is not a true HEV. It's an MHEV system, in which the 28 hp electric motor is mainly used to assist the internal combustion engine: low-speed maneuvering, energy recovery during braking, Stop&Start optimization, or even a "freewheel" mode on main roads when no power is required.

In other words, the driver is still driving a conventional, slightly electrified combustion engine car, whereas a Renault E-Tech or Toyota Hybrid allows long all-electric city driving. This is precisely where Stellantis is aiming to make its 1.2L EB2 a true HEV, capable of competing with Renault and Toyota on their own turf.

A more rational strategy for Stellantis

After Carlos Tavares' decision to focus R&D on all-electrics, the Group is now returning to a more pragmatic strategy. Gone are the costly projects in hydrogen or Level 3 autonomous driving systems: priority now goes to simple hybrid powertrains, essential for reducing CO₂ emissions while maintaining more affordable prices than electrics.

In the United States, Stellantis has already launched a 210 hp 1.6L HEVfor use on the new Jeep Cherokee, for example. due to arrive in Europe shortly. But the subject here is the little three-cylinder that will once again serve as the basis for the new hybrid offensive.

The future 1.2L HEV expected in 2028

According to our colleagues at L'Argus, Stellantis is preparing a new single-hybrid version of the 1.2 EB2 for 2028. Thanks to Punch Powertrain's DT2 electrified gearbox (already used on the 1.2 MHEV and 1.6 PHEV), this engine would achieve around 180 bhp, an unprecedented output for this three-cylinder in its road-qualified version.

The restyled Peugeot 3008 and the 5008 should inaugurate this engine, followed by the future Peugeot 308 and, eventually, other Group models. Brands such as Fiat, Lancia and Alfa Romeo are also likely to be equipped.

A hybrid range under construction

In the years to come, Stellantis will offer a wide range of electrified motors:

• 1.2L MHEV (48V, 110 to 145 hp)
• 1.2L HEV (approx. 180 hp, from 2028)
• 1.6L HEV (210 hp, already launched in the USA, expected in Europe)
• 1.6L PHEV (195 to 225 hp)
• and possibly 2.0L and 3.0L PHEV for top-of-the-range models.

With this future 1.2L HEV, Stellantis intends to make up for lost time in the hybrid field and meet the demand from customers who don't want to or can't switch to 100 % electrics.