Stellantis and Ample’s Swift Solution for Fully Charged Batteries in 5-Minutes

stellantis
Stellantis

Stellantis and Ample have officially inked a transformative agreement aimed at advancing electric vehicle (EV) battery charging technology, with the goal of achieving a complete EV battery charge in less than five minutes. The partnership centers on integrating Ample’s Modular Battery Swapping solution into Stellantis’ electric vehicles, allowing drivers to swap depleted batteries for fully charged ones at specially designed stations, minimizing charging downtime.

The collaboration is set to kick off in Madrid, Spain, in 2024, featuring a fleet of 100 Fiat 500e vehicles within Stellantis’ Free2move car-sharing service. The Fiat 500e, a global leader in EV sales, particularly in European markets, will spearhead the initial program.

Ricardo Stamatti, Stellantis Senior Vice President of the Charging & Energy Business Unit, expressed excitement about the partnership, emphasizing how it aligns with Stellantis’ commitment to exploring diverse avenues for electric vehicle mobility. The ambitious plan includes not only the Madrid initiative but also discussions on extending Ample’s battery-swapping technology to fulfill Stellantis’ fleet and consumer demands across various platforms and geographies.

Ample’s CEO, Khaled Hassounah, highlighted the joint solution’s potential to eliminate barriers to EV adoption. By combining compelling electric vehicles with rapid charging capability, the partnership aims to address range anxiety and enhance energy efficiency for customers worldwide.

Ample’s technology offers an innovative approach to delivering energy to electric vehicles, providing a quick and convenient refueling experience akin to traditional gas refueling. The company’s modular batteries are designed as drop-in replacements for original electric vehicle batteries, enabling seamless integration without extensive vehicle platform reengineering.

The lightweight battery-swapping stations, deployable in public areas within just three days, form a scalable infrastructure to meet growing demand. When an Ample-enabled EV approaches the station, it is immediately recognized, and the driver can initiate a battery swap through a mobile app, resulting in a fully charged battery in less than five minutes.

The subscription-based model for Ample’s battery technology is poised to minimize EV downtime, reduce upfront vehicle costs, and offer customers the latest battery technology, thereby extending the EV’s range and lifespan.

Aligned with Stellantis’ Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan, which aims for a 100% passenger car battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales mix in Europe and a 50% mix in the United States by 2030, the partnership signifies a bold step toward achieving these targets. As part of Stellantis’ commitment to sustainability, the company is on track to become a carbon net-zero corporation by 2038.

Ample, recognized in prestigious tech and innovation lists, continues to make waves in the industry, with its Modular Battery Swapping solution contributing to the evolution of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

Courtesy : https://www.stellantis.com

New S Appearance Package Offers Sporty Look for 2018 Chrysler Pacifica

New S Appearance Package Offers Sporty Look for 2018 Chrysler Pacifica

New S Appearance Package Offers Sporty Look for 2018 Chrysler Pacifica

The award-winning Chrysler Pacifica is now available with a new attitude, courtesy of the S Appearance Package. With the S Appearance Package, the 2018 Pacifica gets a sporty look featuring black accents inside and out. Already the most awarded minivan of both 2016 and 2017, the Chrysler Pacifica’s available new look is designed to attract even more attention.

“The Chrysler Pacifica definitely stands out in the school drop-off line, and its class-leading style has won over many new customers,” said Tim Kuniskis, Head of Passenger Car Brands – Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and Fiat, FCA – North America. “The Pacifica’s S Appearance Package takes that style to the next level and offers our customers yet another unique personality that further differentiates Pacifica from the rest of the segment.”

The Pacifica’s S Appearance Package features Gloss Black accents throughout the exterior, including grille surrounds, eyebrow accents on headlamps, daylight opening molding and rear valance molding. Eighteen-inch wheels with a Black Noise finish are standard, while 20-inch Black Noise wheels are available. The Chrysler wing badges on the front and rear are Black Noise with a Gloss Black insert, while the “Pacifica” and “S” badges in the rear are also in Black Noise. A black roof rack is optional on the Touring Plus and standard on other trim levels equipped with the S Appearance Package.

Inside, the S Appearance Package includes black seats with Light Diesel Gray accents and the “S” logo; Light Diesel Gray stitching and Piano Black accents on the steering wheel; and Light Diesel Gray stitching and Anodized Ice Cave bezels on the instrument panel and door trim. All other interior elements are fully black, including the front overhead console, headliner, visors, second- and third-row cargo lighting bezel, A-pillar trim and center console.

The Chrysler Pacifica S Appearance Package is available for $595 U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) and can be added to any Touring Plus, Touring L, Touring L Plus or Limited models in any exterior paint color. The 20-inch Black Noise wheels can be added to any model equipped with the S Appearance Package for an additional $995 MSRP. The S Appearance Package will be available to order this week and in dealer showrooms this fall.

The Chrysler Pacifica also receives additional updates for the 2018 model year, including standard SafetyTec across all gas and hybrid models, upgraded Uconnect 4 systems with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and available 4G LTE Wi-Fi (late availability).

The 2018 Chrysler Pacifica reinvents the minivan segment with an unprecedented level of functionality, versatility, technology and bold styling. Re-engineered from the ground up on an all-new platform, the Pacifica delivers class-leading gasoline and hybrid powertrains to the minivan segment. With more than 100 available safety and security features, the Uconnect Theater rear seat entertainment system, and a full array of comfort and convenience technologies, the Chrysler Pacifica is a no-compromises minivan ideally suited for today’s families and has earned its spot as the most awarded minivan of 2016 and 2017.

courtesy: media.fcanorthamerica.com

Mopar Turns 80: No Signs of Slowing Down

Mopar Turns 80: No Signs of Slowing Down

Mopar Turns 80: No Signs of Slowing Down

Mopar celebrates its 80th birthday on Aug. 1. From humble beginnings as a name for engine anti-freeze, the Mopar brand has come a long way and shows no signs of slowing down as it rolls past 80 years on the history odometer.

Today, the Mopar name works harder than ever — delivering high-quality service, parts and customer care for FCA vehicle brands and owners across the globe. Mopar reaches more than 150 markets, offers a portfolio of more than 500,000 products, taps into a network of more than 50 parts distribution centers around the world and welcomes almost 3 million visitors per year to the brand’s online Mopar Owner Center.

Aug. 1, 1937, is when the Chrysler Corp. introduced its ethylene-glycol-based anti-freeze under the Mopar name – a contraction of the words Motor and Parts. Two years later the company would trademark the Mopar name as the portfolio of parts grew rapidly. That growth spurred the opening in 1953 of the Mopar Parts Depot near Detroit in Center Line, Michigan, which today still serves as the spiritual hub for Mopar, shipping more than 16.5 million parts a year.

Mopar’s performance heritage roared to life in the 1960s. Trailblazers including a group of engineers calling themselves the Ramchargers and NHRA icon “Big Daddy” Don Garlits push the speed envelope on the strip and cement the brand’s reputation for success at the track. The HEMI® engine also dominates in muscle cars on the street as passionate enthusiasts and owners begin to refer to any Dodge, Chrysler or Plymouth vehicle as a “Mopar” car, giving the brand name recognition unlike any other service and parts organization.

As electronics take on a larger role in engine and vehicle performance, Mopar boosts its emphasis on customer care and technician training. The Mopar College Automotive Program (CAP) is launched, partnering with community colleges and dealerships on a two-year education/internship to train the next generation of service technicians.

Mopar has equipped service technicians with advanced technology, such as the wiTECH wireless diagnostic system, to help repair vehicles faster and right the first time. The growth of hand-held wireless devices helps Mopar, through a series of vehicle-information apps, open a new channel of communication with owners.

In 2008, Mopar launches its quick, convenient Express Lane service in dealerships, offering easy access to critical service needs such as oil changes and vehicle inspections. Mopar Express Lane has rapidly expanded to encompass more than 1,750 outlets in operation in more than 20 countries.

From that single line of anti-freeze, Mopar’s parts portfolio now runs the spectrum from basic maintenance items to performance parts for Jeep®, Dodge, Chrysler, Ram and FIAT vehicles, to Magneti Marelli brand parts for a wide range of non-FCA vehicles. Mopar and its partners also service enthusiasts looking to restore classic vehicles or add a modern touch, such as the recently introduced Crate HEMI Engine kits.

The drag strip continues to be the home of HEMI and Mopar racing technology, with the Dodge Challenger R/T Funny Cars of the Don Schumacher Racing stable dominating the NHRA class. Mopar-backed driver Matt Hagan is running a special 80thAnniversary paint scheme on his car.

courtesy: blog.chryslergroupllc.com

Minivan Monday: 2017 Chrysler Pacifica lightens up

Minivan Monday: 2017 Chrysler Pacifica lightens up

Minivan Monday: 2017 Chrysler Pacifica lightens up

The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica is all new from the ground up, and lighter from bumper to bumper.

Designers of the minivan cut nearly 250 pounds from the new model, making it lighter than its predecessor while offering improved comfort, space and features to customers.

This innovative reduction in weight helped the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica win the full-vehicle category in the fifth annual Altair Enlighten Awards for innovation in automotive lightweighting.

“The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica is a testament to our team’s engineering capability,” said Phil Jansen, Head of Product Development – FCA North America. “It’s not only lighter than the vehicle it replaced; it’s longer, wider and more efficient. The Pacifica has also earned superior safety ratings and widespread media acclaim. We are proud to add the Altair Enlighten Award to our list of team achievements.”

The effort to reduce weight in the 2017 Pacifica began in the concept development phase where designers used a new Rapid Concept Development process that allowed them to analyze multiple concepts to meet objectives at the lightest weight.

One method used to reduce weight in the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica is the use of high-strength steel in the Pacifica’s body structure. Chrysler states the body structure is 72% high-strength steel, which is the highest percentage of any minivan in the industry.

Additionally, the Pacifica’s liftgate is comprised of an aluminum outer panel bonded to a cast magnesium inner panel. The combination of the two materials contributes to a weight savings of 18.5 pounds per vehicle.

These efforts have not only produced a lighter minivan, but also a vehicle that has earned more than 50 industry awards.

courtesy: blog.chryslergroupllc.com

2009 Chrysler Aspen HEMI(R) Hybrid

chrysler Aspen HEMI(R) Hybrid

chrysler Aspen HEMI(R) Hybrid

The 2009 Chrysler Aspen HEMI Hybrid is a new model for 2009, powered by a two-mode hybrid system that combines a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with electric motors for a total power output of 385 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. A luxury SUV, the Aspen HEMI Hybrid features chrome accents on the door handles, body-side moldings and exterior mirrors, as well as 18-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels.

Inside the Aspen HEMI Hybrid features premium leather-trimmed seats; wood accents on door panels and center stack; heated power front seats; second-row bench seat; and 60/40 split third-row bench seat. Standard safety features include Chrysler’s exclusive Trailer Sway Control, Electronic Stability Program, ABS, next-generation front air bags, ParkSense Rear Park Assist System, ParkView Rear Back-up Camera System, Tire Pressure Monitoring System and three-row side-curtain air bags with roll sensing.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2009 Chrysler Aspen is available in two trim levels, Limited and Limited HEV. The Limited is available in two-wheel drive and 4WD, while the Limited HEV (hybrid) is 4X4 only. Standard equipment includes 18-inch chrome-clad alloy wheels, automatic headlamps, foglamps, rear park assist, a rear parking camera, a power tailgate, a power driver seat, a tilting steering column, a 40/20/40-split reclining second row, a 60/40-split-folding three-passenger third row, rear climate control, stain-repellent cloth upholstery, wood trim and an eight-speaker stereo with touchscreen controls, 30GB of digital music storage, an auxiliary audio jack and a CD player.

The creatively named J Package adds the Hemi V8, 20-inch chrome-clad alloy wheels, running boards, heated auto-dimming exterior mirrors, remote ignition, leather upholstery in the first and second rows, a power passenger seat, heated front seats, automatic climate control, power-adjustable pedals, driver memory functions, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth, iPod integration, a navigation system and upgraded speakers. Several of these items are available as stand-alone options, along with second-row bucket seats, a towing package and a rear DVD entertainment system with Sirius Backseat TV. The Limited with J Package can also be equipped with a sunroof and heated second-row seats.

The Chrysler Aspen Limited HEV is 4X4 only and equipped similarly to the Limited with J Package, but adds a hybrid powertrain, 18-inch chrome-clad wheels and real-time traffic information for the navigation system.