Stellantis wants to cut emissions by 20% using just this blue box

Stellantis’ mission is simple: reduce emissions without complexity. To that end, it has announced its intention to launch six new hybrid models by 2026, adding to the 30 it will have available by the end of the year.

What do all these models have in common? The little blue box you can see in the image above, which is nothing more than a battery that is part of the system. moderate hybrid 48 volts from the kit. This powers an electric motor integrated into the gearbox and allows the combustion engine to take the load off the engine and partially power the vehicle’s systems.

This technology will be “spread” across all 14 brands of the group since 2023, with the most common type – which combines a 1.2 turbo engine with an electric motor and a dual-clutch gearbox – making its debut in the Peugeot 3008 and 5008 (previous generation).

This has been a key technology for Stellantis to reduce CO2 emissions._two Its vehicles in Europe, to meet the targets imposed by the European Union. In 2025, emissions must be 15% lower than those recorded in 2021.

What does this system consist of?

Stellantis’ hybrid technology, based on the 1.2 turbo engine, enables up to 20% reduction in CO2 emissions._twoIn addition to saving up to 20% in fuel consumption.

In addition to the battery – with a capacity of 0.9 kWh – the system consists of a 21 kW (28 hp) electric motor, which is integrated into the six-speed dual-clutch transmission (eDCT). This can also, in certain driving contexts, play the role of the combustion engine.

With such a small battery, we can’t even talk about the electric range – it is declared as only one kilometer. But it allows the car to be driven up to 50% of the time in 100% electric mode. Hence the possibility of reducing fuel consumption by up to 20%.

With the introduction of this system, the 1.2 PureTech combustion engine (three-cylinder petrol, turbo) also received a new generation, now equipped with a timing chain rather than a belt. It is available in two power levels: 100 hp and 136 hp.

Stellantis insists on calling models equipped with this system hybrid. moderate hybrid 48 volts. He justifies this by the fact that his solution offers similar advantages in terms of reducing emissions with those of other hybrid systems, such as those of Toyota, Renault or Hyundai, whose voltage exceeds 200 volts.

What models have this system?

Demand for hybrid vehicles is growing and Stellantis has also decided to increase the number of models that benefit from this system. This year, the group saw its electric vehicle sales increase by 41% compared to 2023.

We still don’t know which future hybrid models will be launched by 2026, but we do have a list of 30 models that already have the technology or will receive it by the end of the year.

• Alfa Romeo Junior and Alfa Romeo Tonale;
• Citroen C3 (2024), Citroen C3 Aircross (2024), Citroen C4, Citroen C4 X, Citroen C5 Aircross and Citroen C5 X;
• DS 3 and DS 4;
• Fiat Panda and Fiat 600;
• Jeep Avenger, Jeep Renegade, Jeep Compass;
• Lancia Epsilon (2024);
• Maserati Grecale;
• Opel Corsa, Opel Astra, Opel Astra Sports Tourer, Opel Mokka, Opel Frontera, and Opel Grandland (2024);
• Peugeot 208, Peugeot 308, Peugeot 308 SW, Peugeot 408, Peugeot 2008, Peugeot 3008 (2024), Peugeot 5008 (2024).

It is worth noting that the hybrid systems in the Jeep Renegade, Compass, Alfa Romeo Tonale, Fiat Panda and Maserati Grecale are not the same as those used in other models. They were inherited from FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles), before it merged with Groupe PSA to form Stellantis.