For a few years, Stellantis has been distributing a battery-electric drive across all possible models of the group. The spectrum ranges from small cars to SUVs, and the success proves those responsible right. A further development was presented last year, which unfortunately is not very far-reaching. The Citroën ë-C4 and ë-C4 X also benefit from it.
Changed key data
So far, the key data of the battery-electric drive has always been identical: the battery had 50 kWh, the electric motor 100 kW. One-phase alternating current could be charged as standard with up to 7.4 kW, three-phase with 11 kW for a surcharge. The maximum DC charging power was 100 kW. Nothing changes in these loading options. The engine output increases to 115 kW, which would have been absolutely unnecessary, at least in the small models such as the Peugeot e-208 or Opel Corsa-e. However, Stellantis emphasizes that the new machine is not only more powerful, but also more efficient.
Two batteries
When it comes to the battery, the group will be on two tracks in the future, because there are two versions with 51 and 54 kWh. Not a big difference or progress compared to the previous memory, which will disappoint some interested parties. Stellantis promises a range increase of 60 km in the WLTP for the Citroën ë-C4 and ë-C4 X. Instead of 360, 420 km should be possible in one go. The group has not yet given specific consumption data for the updated drive train for both models and is leaving it at an approximate figure of 12 kWh/100 km for the time being. However, such a drastic reduction in consumption in the WLTP would be a sensation.
New cell chemistry
Stellantis has changed the cell chemistry of the battery. So far, the material mix was NMC622, i.e. six parts nickel and two parts each manganese and cobalt. As of now, 80 percent is nickel and 10 percent each of manganese and cobalt. So far, Stellantis has not mentioned lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) or even sodium-ion cells. Since both could significantly reduce the production costs for the battery, this should be the case for the next revision of the battery-electric drive at the latest. Then the group will also have to improve the energy content of the storage system. A little more than 50 kWh is acceptable for a small car, in larger models like the Citroën ë-C4 and ë-C4 X there should be at least an optional range.
(mfz)
