Stellantis Invests $29.5 Million In Wind Tunnel Tech To Boost EV Range

Stellantis has announced a major investment of $29.5 million to upgrade its wind tunnel facility at the Chrysler Technology Center (CTC) in Auburn Hills. The project focuses on innovative Moving Ground Plane (MGP) technology. This enhancement is designed to improve the aerodynamics of the company’s electric vehicles (EVs), a crucial factor for extending their driving range and overall efficiency.

The new MGP technology allows for precise measurement and reduction of airflow resistance from wheels and tires, contributing up to 10% of total aerodynamic drag in real-world driving conditions. Optimizing aerodynamic performance is essential for increasing EV range, which can lead to smaller battery sizes. This reduction in battery size can result in lower costs and reduced vehicle weight, benefiting customers.

“Range is a core consideration for customers who are transitioning to cleaner mobility through battery power,” said Mark Champine, Senior Vice President and Head of North America Engineering Technical Centers. “This investment is critical because, by reducing drag, we enhance electric-vehicle range and improve the overall customer driving experience.”

The upgraded wind tunnel uses advanced simulation techniques that allow test vehicles to remain stationary while the wheels can move, simulating on-road conditions. This setup enables more accurate aerodynamic testing and faster development cycles for new models.

“This technology is a great addition to our virtual development tools,” Champine noted. “It helps us replicate real-world factors like tire deformation that can affect aerodynamics, allowing us to gather real-time data for better solutions.”

While Stellantis has utilized MGP technology at other facilities worldwide, the Auburn Hills site will be capable of accommodating larger vehicles, particularly those based on the STLA Large and STLA Frame platforms. This upgrade aligns with Stellantis’s Dare Forward 2030 strategy, which aims for battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) to make up 50% of U.S. and 100% of European sales by 2030.

Interestingly, this announcement comes amid speculation regarding the potential sale of the Auburn Hills campus. However, with this significant investment, Stellantis seems committed to remaining in the area. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer had been discussing with the automaker about keeping its North American headquarters in the state, emphasizing local support for its ongoing operations.

Additionally, Stellantis has recently announced a return to in-person work for employees after implementing a work-from-home policy during the pandemic. As the company adapts to these changes, the CTC is poised to be a vital part of its electrification efforts. With approximately 5 million square feet of space available, it’s possible that Stellantis may explore leasing some of the open areas, especially considering recent workforce adjustments.