In Case You Missed It: Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares’ CES 2023 Keynote Speech

Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares addressed the audience at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2023 as the keynote speaker, inside the Venetian Palazzo Ballroom in Las Vegas.

Tavares not only introduced two new conceptual vehicles to the crowd but discussed the company’s Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan throughout his speech. Tavares also took time to talk about most of the automaker’s 14 iconic brands, including Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, and Ram.

Although most of his speech was redundant from his more recent public talks, the CEO did talk about some interesting news about the future of Stellantis battery technology.

Tavares highlighted that the current chemistry is not sustainable. The current lithium battery packs are too heavy, which affects the range of most electric vehicles (EVs) at the moment. But he also did talk about how Stellantis is working to address the situation with Factorial Inc. to create a new lineup of solid-state batteries for the future lineup of EVs.

“We are in the race to make one of the most significant strides in battery technology in decades,” Tavares told the crowd. “The current weight of EVs with the current chemistry is not sustainable. Cars are way too heavy. Technology in the new chemistry will double the power density and bring the appropriate range similar to that of a traditional internal combustion engine at around 400 to 500 miles, reducing the overall weight in half. Plus derive a more responsible use of a scarce resource.”

“One example, with Factorial, we are in [the] development of a proprietary technology that uses less cobalt coming by 2026,” he exclaimed. “The solid-state battery may deliver up to 30% higher energy density compared to conventional lithium technology. Which could enable an even longer driving range or less weight.”

Introduced by Peugeot CEO Linda Jackson, the Peugeot Inception Concept showcased how the brand will take advantage of the next generation of cockpit platforms to reinvent the whole automotive experience, redesigning the interior space and reshaping driving gestures around the next generation of the Peugeot i-Cockpit. The STLA Large-based Inception Concept showcased some technologies that are looking to make their way into future production vehicles by 2026.

Of course, the Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept made its official debut during the event. Loaded with exclusive advanced technology features and based on STLA Frame, the BEV-by-design body-on-frame architecture, the Ram Revolution BEV Concept is a visionary road map and a glimpse into the future, showing how the leading truck brand will once again redefine the pickup truck segment. Ram CEO, Mike Koval, Jr. introduced the truck to the crowd.

In case you missed the event, you can watch the 1-hour long address in the video at the top of the page. 

Video Source: CNET