An Opel Frontera with an 86 kWh battery and a range of over 600 km, the major new release from Stellantis

The Smart Car platform has become one of the most important in Stellantis Group worldwide. This multi-energy architecture, which debuted in the fourth-generation Citroën C3, was designed for low-cost small and medium-sized vehicles targeting diverse markets such as Europe, India, Latin America, and North Africa.

Currently, the Citroën C3 and C3 Aircross, FIAT Grande Panda, Grizzly/Grizzly Fastback, and Opel Frontera are built on this platform, with indications that future Citroën C4, Chrysler Arrow/Arrow Cross, and Jeep Renegade models will also use it. As can be seen, Smart Car is aimed at the B (utility) and C (compact) vehicle segments.

The electric version of this platform currently offers three battery sizes: 30 kWh, 44 kWh, and 54 kWh. However, the sighting of a prototype based on the Opel Frontera appears to indicate that Stellantis is working on a significantly improved version of this architecture, as the vehicle in question has a sticker stating it is equipped with a massive 86 kWh battery.

The 54 kWh Frontera Electric is rated for 401 km of WLTP range, so a hypothetical 86 kWh version would easily exceed 600 km WLTP. This would make it a much more versatile model for long trips; however, using a larger battery would also result in a significantly higher price (the 44 kWh model starts at 25,350 euros and the 54 kWh model at 27,450 euros, figures that are quite competitive for its category).

A workhorse of the new STLA One platform?

Will Opel launch a Frontera with such a large battery? It’s unclear, as the vehicle spotted could very well be a test mule with a Frontera bodyshell, hiding a new platform underneath. If that’s the case, we’re talking about the STLA One, which will primarily support models in segments B and C as well. Like the Smart Car, it will be multi-energy.

Since the Smart Car is a low-cost architecture, an 86 kWh battery would fit better in the STLA One, as it will be used in more expensive models, including Alfa Romeo’s future compact SUV set to replace the Tonale. The debut of this platform will take place next year alongside the third-generation Peugeot 208, which will be manufactured in Spain (specifically in Figueruelas, Zaragoza).

In any case, one thing is clear: after unveiling its FaSTLAne 2030 plan, Stellantis is accelerating the development of new electric models to equip its numerous brands with the tools needed to compete against new rivals from China.

Source | Motor.es