Stellantis invests $29.5 million in wind tunnel technology to improve aerodynamics and increase efficiency of its electric vehicles globally.
Stellar has announced a $29.5 million investment to upgrade its wind tunnel at its technical center in Auburn Hills, Michigan, introducing Moving Ground Plane (MGP) technology.
This innovation will allow the aerodynamics of its electric vehicles (EV) to be optimized, which translates into greater efficiency and autonomy for the brand’s cars around the world.
Reduced aerodynamic drag for greater efficiency
The new MGP technology allows us to simulate real driving conditions, measuring the air resistance generated by the wheels and tires, components that can represent up to 10% of the total aerodynamic resistance in real situations.
The objective of this advance is to reduce this drag and, as a result, increase the range of electric vehicles on a single charge.
Mark Champine, senior vice president and head of engineering technical centers in North America at Stellantis, highlighted the importance of this project: “Autonomy is a key factor for customers moving towards cleaner mobility through battery power. This investment is crucial to improve the driving experience of our users.”.
Impact on battery design and efficiency
Optimizing aerodynamics not only contributes to increasing the range of electric vehicles, but can also allow a reduction in battery size.
This has positive implications in terms of cost savings, weight reduction and improvements in vehicle design, aspects that together improve overall efficiency and user experience.
Complement to virtual development tools
The Stellantis aeroacoustic wind tunnel upgrade also adds a significant level of automation. The ability to adjust parameters such as wheelbase and track width, processes that previously took up to two hours, can now be done in a matter of minutes, increasing the speed of vehicle development.
Champine highlighted that this technology complements virtual development tools: “This system allows us to replicate conditions that virtual tools cannot capture, such as tire deformation, which gives us real-time data to find solutions.”
A boost to the “Dare Forward 2030” strategic plan
The implementation of MGP technology is a key component in the development of Stellantis’ battery electric vehicles (BEV), aligning with its “Dare Forward 2030” strategic plan.
Stellantis aims for 50% of its sales in the US and 100% in Europe to be BEVs by 2030. Globally, the company plans to offer more than 75 electric models, with an annual sales projection of 5 million units.
Commitment to carbon neutrality
The investment in MGP technology also underscores Stellantis’ commitment to sustainability and carbon neutrality by 2038, in line with its climate change mitigation efforts.
This project is part of an $85 million investment committed in 2019, which includes the construction of a new annex and a support building for the MGP system, which uses high-pressure compressed air to move the tire belts and the plant. at speeds up to 140 mph.
Continued Innovation in Auburn Hills
The upgraded wind tunnel, capable of generating speeds of over 160 mph, has been in continuous operation since 2002 and has seen landmark innovations in the automotive industry.
From the creation of the Chrysler AirFlow in 1934, to the development of aerodynamic solutions for modern vehicles like the Ram 1500 and Chrysler Pacifica, the Auburn Hills center has played a crucial role in the company’s technological advancement.
With this investment in its cutting-edge infrastructure and technology, Stellantis continues to position itself as one of the leaders in the industry, optimizing the efficiency of its electric vehicles and moving closer to its goal of leading the global transition towards sustainable, low-emission mobility.
Source: geeksroom.com
