Stellantis Invests in Indiana Plants to Accelerate Electrification

Original Article by Automotive Fleet

Stellantis’ Dave Dukes (left) pulls the cover off the new, electrified eight-speed transmission at the Kokomo Transmission Plant on Oct. 7. The new transmission will have the flexibility to be paired with internal combustion engines, as well as mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid propulsion systems.

Stellantis has invested a total of $229 million across three of its Kokomo, Indiana, plants to help reach a goal of achieving 40% low-emission vehicle sales in the U.S. by 2030. This comes three months after the auto giant laid out its long-term electrification strategy. The brand made the announcement during an event at the Kokomo Transmission Plant with elected officials and community leaders in attendance.

The investment will allow the three plants to produce the fourth-generation eight-speed transmission, which can be paired with internal combustion engines, as well as mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid propulsion systems for vehicles across the Jeep, Ram, Chrysler, and Dodge brands. They will utilize transmission gear train/clutch, mechatronics, mechanical pump, and E-pump motor, and will be adaptable to various electrification options, including the emotor, torque converter, and power electronics.

Stellantis says the transmissions will deliver improved fuel economy, provide pure-electric range, and help meet future emission regulations.

Stellantis leadership Indiana elected officials gathered at the plant to make the announcement.

Production is expected to launch later this year.

“This investment and this transmission represent an important stepping stone in getting us to 2030 and further expanding our battery electric offerings,” said Head of Powertrain Operations Brad Clark. “This new eight-speed is the ‘multi-tool’ of transmissions. It is a versatile transmission that can be adapted for a variety of applications, allowing us the flexibility to adjust our production as consumer demand for electrified vehicles grows over the next decade. It also offers consumers the opportunity to get familiar with this technology and explore all of the benefits that can come from electrification.”

The eight-speed transmission is the current transmission option on the Jeep Wrangler, Gladiator, and Grand Cherokee; Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer; Ram 1500; Dodge Charger, Challenger, Durango; and Chrysler 300 models.