Stellantis invests in full hybrids for Europe

Stellantis has reversed course, announcing that it will no longer be 100% electric in Europe by 2030. The message was reiterated at the 2025 Munich Motor Show by Jean-Philippe Imparato, the group’s chief executive for Europe, who said that the European Union’s (EU) emissions targets, which envisage the end of the combustion engine by 2035, cannot be achieved by any manufacturer.

Electrification nevertheless remains one of the group’s priorities, not least because it must meet emissions targets. Stellantis is considering several ways of doing so, with one solution standing out: hybrid powertrains that do not require plugging in, or full hybrids.

Following the Volkswagen Group, Stellantis has now chosen to invest in this technology, already used by pioneers Toyota and Honda, as well as Renault, Hyundai and Nissan. Stellantis has already introduced the powertrain in the new-generation Jeep Cherokee:

Although the American SUV is not expected to come to Europe, the same cannot be said for its hybrid technology. It is based on an engine that is well known and widely used in Europe: the 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol unit also fitted to the group’s plug-in hybrids, including the Peugeot 3008.

Stellantis full hybrids due from 2027 to 2028

The executive did not disclose details of the system planned for Europe - in the Cherokee it produces 210 hp and combines two electric motors with a 1.08 kWh battery - but said that, of all the solutions receiving investment from the group, this will require the greatest commitment in both time and money. Imparato also confirmed that these new hybrids will begin reaching the market between 2027 and 2028.

Investment will not be limited to hybrid powertrains. Imparato also outlined the group’s other powertrain plans, ranging from mild hybrids to electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids:

• 48 V mild hybrids - development of a second generation is under way, with a third also planned, to help reduce reliance on fully electric vehicles;
• Plug-in hybrids - development of plug-in hybrids with greater range. The plug-in hybrid Peugeot 308, for instance, claims up to 65 km in electric mode, whereas the Volkswagen Golf claims 143 km (WLTP);
• Range-extender electric vehicles - for now, only Leapmotor uses this technology in the C10, although Jean-Philippe Imparato has not ruled out its use in other Stellantis electric vehicles.

Hybrids becoming more prominent

This renewed focus on the technology stems from its growing commercial success, its contribution towards meeting the EU’s CO₂ emissions targets - partly because demand for fully electric vehicles has been lower than expected - and its lower cost compared with plug-in hybrids, as the battery is much smaller. This could help it become more widespread across the market.

Full hybrids and charging independence

These models differ from electric vehicles by providing a driving experience closer to that of a conventional combustion-engined car. They also do not depend on a charging network which, despite expanding, remains insufficient and is not always reliable.

Toyota currently leads Europe’s full-hybrid market, with the Yaris Cross standing out as the best-selling model, having recorded 111 747 units by July (source: Dataforce).