Stellantis announced on Tuesday its ambitious plan to broaden its lineup of affordable hybrid vehicles in Europe, aiming to introduce 36 models by 2026. The move comes in response to increasing consumer demand for hybrid cars, seen as a viable alternative to both petrol-powered and electric vehicles.
Formed from the merger of PSA Group and Fiat Chrysler in 2021, the American-French-Italian automaker detailed its strategy to roll out 30 hybrid models this year across nine of its 14 brands, including Fiat, Peugeot, Jeep, and Alfa Romeo. An additional six models are slated for launch over the next two years.
While specific figures on current hybrid sales were not disclosed, Stellantis highlighted a notable 41% surge in hybrid vehicle orders across Europe during the first half of this year. Despite stable electric vehicle sales since the start of 2024, the company remains focused on meeting escalating consumer interest in hybrids.
The emphasis is on “mild hybrid” technology, which features a 48-volt low-voltage battery, dual-clutch robotic gearbox, and enhanced braking energy-recovery system. Christian Müller, Stellantis’ senior vice president of propulsion systems for the EMEA region, emphasized the competitive carbon dioxide emission benefits of this system relative to higher-voltage hybrids, noting its cost-effectiveness for customers.
“Our system offers comparable CO2 reductions to high-voltage hybrids but at a more accessible price point,” Müller explained. Stellantis’ affordable hybrid solutions provide a pure electric range of up to one kilometer, contrasting with the group’s plug-in hybrid technology capable of approximately 80 kilometers on electric power.
