July 13, 2020 - In a world that is constantly on the go with pressing environmental issues to be addressed, one of the greatest challenges for society is to rethink our mobility model. All automakers have a role to play. This transformation needs to address growing demand and changes in customer needs, with an increasing focus on the environmental impacts.
FCA has accepted this challenge and is committed to mobility solutions that are more sustainable and also offer immediate advantages to customers. To meet that objective, FCA has developed a comprehensive, environmentally-friendly ecosystem that is also economically competitive. An ecosystem that brings together partners, products and services across markets to simplify the lives of customers who choose to drive an electrified vehicle.
Potential problems are transformed into opportunities, giving life to a new concept of mobility that meets the needs of both customers and the Planet. This is e-Mobility by FCA.
Advanced Solutions in Electrification
Together with partners who are leaders in their respective fields, FCA has designed and developed a range of electrification technologies – including hybrid, plug-in hybrid and full-electric vehicles — to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
These technologies and propulsion systems have already been launched on FCA models in various countries. The first to cross the finish line was the Fiat 500e full-electric, introduced in North America in 2013. This was followed by the Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid, introduced in North America in 2017 and in China the following year. In 2019, Jeep® launched its first-ever plug-in hybrid, the Jeep Commander, in China. In North America, the patented “e-Torque” hybrid technology was recently introduced on the Jeep Wrangler and RAM 1500.
As FCA continues to introduce electrification across its brand portfolio, the spotlight is also on many “Made in Europe” models: from the Jeep Compass and Jeep Renegade 4xe plug-in hybrids to the all-new, full-electric Fiat 500, the Fiat Professional E-Ducato and the full-electric Maserati models due out in the coming months. Hybrid versions of the Fiat Panda, Fiat 500 and Lancia Ypsilon are already on sale.
To support electrification of the portfolio, FCA is investing over €9 billion in the design, development and production of electrified vehicles. On the production front, investments at plants in Italy and North America that will produce electrified vehicles are already underway. A Battery Hub for battery assembly is also being constructed at the Mirafiori complex in Turin. The aim is to become progressively more independent in the supply of these components, which are expected to become increasingly strategic.
All these initiatives – from the launch of new models to investment in plants – will ensure FCA has a diversified offering to meet increasing customer demand for new forms of mobility, driven by strict environmental regulations in Europe.
Easy Charging
The transition to a sustainable mobility goes way beyond the design and production of new models. First, it requires development of a network of public and private charging stations for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. It also requires a rethink of how electricity is produced – focusing on non-fossil fuel sources – and distributed.
FCA is developing solutions that meet every need associated with driving an electrified car, beginning with one of the most basic requirements: charging. Over the next few months, 3,600 charging stations will be installed at dealerships across Europe, and others are being installed at car parks for Group employees.
Agreements with two leading energy suppliers, Enel X and ENGIE, will enable FCA customers to locate, book and pay for public charging points via an app on their smartphones. Customers will also have the option to install a charging point at their home.