Stellantis’ new ‘STLA Frame’ will underpin EV SUVs and trucks with up to 500 miles of range

Stellantis is set to launch its third new-age platform as part of its 'Dare Forward 2030' plan, dubbed the ‘STLA Frame’, which will underpin its next generation of full-size, body-on-frame, light commercial vehicles, pick-up trucks and SUVs. Jeep and Ram fans, listen up. 

Initially for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and range extender electric vehicles (REEVs), Stellantis is claiming up to 500 miles of range for the former and a massive 690 miles for the latter.

Power will be sent to all four wheels by two electric motors, and we're told to expect 0-60mph times as low as 4.4 seconds. Not bad for a pickup, although still a way off the 2.6 seconds of a tri-motor Tesla Cybertruck.

Giant liquid-cooled batteries will vary between 159 and 200kWh in size, with both 400 and 800-volt architecture options available to support rapid charging at up to 350kW for BEVs and 175kW for REEVs. 

Other technical details include a 1.22-tonne payload, 6.35-tonne towing capacity and a wading depth of up to 610mm. There’s room for different suspension designs too, so expect air suspension to feature on premium models.

The frame itself will be built using high-strength steel and is apparently more durable and rigid than those previously used by Stellantis. It's lighter too, with wider centre sections and reinforced frame rails to improve side impact safety.

Oh, and Stellantis reckons that the platform is so versatile it'll be able to accommodate internal combustion, hybrid and even hydrogen powertrains in the future.