Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has been lagging behind in the fast-developing electric and autonomous vehicle segments. However, according to the automaker’s new global powertrain chief, Micky Bly, this is about to change, as FCA is set on repositioning itself in this space over the next few years.
FCA and Electrification: The Past
FCA has not completely steered away from battery-powered vehicles over the years. When the Fiat 500e was released back in 2013, however, former FCA CEO, Sergio Marchionne, made a tongue-in-cheek request to potential clients to not buy the 500e as it cost more to produce than the automaker could sell it for. Sadly, the 500e didn’t sell.
In the subsequent years, FCA rolled out two-hybrid systems: the Pacifica Hybrid, which is a plug-in, and the Jeep Wrangler, which features a mild 48-volt hybrid system. According to FCA, these vehicles mark the beginning of a whole range of hybrid and electric options that it will be developing and releasing over the next few years.
Tough new governmental regulations in China and Europe have already started to affect a definite move toward EVs, and although things aren’t that strict in the U.S. yet, FCA predicts that even in this market they will have to start focusing on battery-based drivetrains.
Moving Forward
FCA has implemented many steps over the last few years that mark their increasing commitment to repositioning themselves in the EV and automation segments. A few of these include:
- Shortly before his death, Marchionne stated that FCA will invest more than $10 billion in electrification.
- His successor, Michael Manley, brought in Bly, who has been working in the plug-in hybrid and EV segments since 2006, as powertrain engineer. According to Bly, his main focus over the next three to five years will be on developing an electrification strategy for FCA.
- Recently, FCA announced its merger with Peugeot, which has resulted in the world’s fourth-largest automaker. According to these two companies, the merger will result in annual cost savings of over $4.1 billion. This money will allow them to invest in electrification and potentially become world leaders in the autonomous and all-electric vehicle segments.
- According to The Verge, FCA is in discussions with two EV companies, namely Faraday Future and Seres, and may secure its electric powertrains from either or both of these for future models.
What Vehicles Will We See On the Market?
Despite the fact that the Fiat 500e has not fared well, FCA is releasing a new iteration that’s likely to hit the market sometime this year. The design of the new 500e will apparently be based on a completely new platform, which should make for improved range, performance, and handling.
Alfa Romeo is also set to add a whole bevy of electric powertrains to its lineup. The new Alfa 8C supercar, for instance, which is due to be released early next year, will be a plug-in hybrid. And according to hints dropped by FCA insiders, even the Dodge Hellcat models might be sporting a mild-hybrid drivetrain soon.
Despite the fact that FCA has been lagging behind in the electrification segment over the years, their commitment to repositioning themselves in this space is fast becoming apparent.
Image via chrysler.com
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