Summary
- Stellantis upgraded wind tunnel in Michigan for $29.5 million
- Focus on aero efficiency to improve EV range
- Changes that used to take hours can now be done in minutes with upgrades
- Wind tunnel in Michigan can accommodate larger vehicles, including EVs
- Stellantis aims for 50% U.S. EV sales and 100% European EV sales by 2030
Article
Stellantis recently completed a $29.5 million upgrade to its wind tunnel at its research and development facility in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The upgrades focused on improving aero efficiency to help enhance electric vehicle (EV) range. This investment allows engineers to make changes that used to take hours in a matter of minutes, ensuring the wind tunnel remains a valuable tool in conjunction with virtual simulations. The wind tunnel can accommodate larger vehicles, including those based on the STLA Large and STLA Frame platforms, and features increased automation that allows for quicker changes in wheelbase and track.
Vehicles inside the wind tunnel remain static, with belts suspended on air cushions turning all four wheels, while a fifth moving belt simulates the effect of travel over a road surface. With the ability to generate wind speeds of up to 160 mph, the wind tunnel provides a realistic environment for testing aerodynamics. This technology is essential in capturing real-time data to explore solutions that virtual tools may not account for, such as tire deformation that can impact aerodynamics. The wind tunnel upgrades are part of an overall commitment to facility improvements set forth in a 2019 contract with the UAW, showcasing Stellantis’ dedication to advancing its engineering capabilities.
Stellantis has a longstanding history of prioritizing aerodynamics, dating back to the 1934 Chrysler Airflow, which featured wind-tunnel-tested styling. Today, the company continues to focus on aerodynamic optimization, including in recent electric vehicle concepts like the Chrysler Airflow and the Dodge Charger Daytona. The Charger Daytona, based on the STLA Large platform, features innovative aerodynamic design elements, such as a front airfoil, to improve efficiency and performance. These efforts align with Stellantis’ goal of maximizing EV range without increasing battery-pack sizes, as the company aims to increase its electric vehicle sales significantly by 2030.
Stellantis is targeting ambitious goals for electric vehicle sales, aiming for 50% of U.S. sales and 100% of European sales to be electric by 2030. To achieve this, Stellantis plans to offer 75 electric models globally by the same year. The company’s investment in aerodynamic improvements, such as the wind tunnel upgrades, reflects its commitment to enhancing efficiency and range in its electric vehicles. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and innovative design, Stellantis aims to lead the way in electrification and sustainable transportation solutions, positioning itself as a key player in the evolving automotive industry.
The $29.5 million upgrade to Stellantis’ wind tunnel in Michigan represents a significant investment in advancing the company’s engineering capabilities and improving efficiency in its electric vehicles. With increased automation and the ability to make quick changes in wheelbase and track, the wind tunnel remains a vital tool for testing aerodynamics and optimizing performance. By combining virtual simulations with real-time data capture, engineers can explore solutions that may not be accounted for in digital models, ensuring accurate aerodynamic evaluations for Stellantis’ EVs based on the STLA Large and STLA Frame platforms.
Stellantis’ commitment to aerodynamic excellence is evident in its historical focus on this area, with iconic vehicles like the 1934 Chrysler Airflow and modern concepts like the Chrysler Airflow and the Dodge Charger Daytona showcasing the company’s expertise in aerodynamic design. By integrating innovative aerodynamic features into its electric vehicle lineup, Stellantis is poised to lead the way in electric vehicle efficiency and performance. With ambitious goals for EV sales by 2030, including 50% in the U.S. and 100% in Europe, Stellantis is driving towards a sustainable and electrified future with a comprehensive portfolio of electric models designed to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving automotive landscape.
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