In a new strategic push that targets the compact, mid-size, and large market segments, Stellantis is promising unparalleled capabilities, safety and versatility for businesses and professional customers. The launch features a world premiere of 12 nameplates across all van segments – including Citroën, FIAT Professional, Opel, Peugeot, and Vauxhall.
Stellantis, with its powerful slogan of ‘Six Brands, One Force,' has brought together a remarkable array of new vans in all segments, from Compact to Mid-Size and Large. The lineup includes the likes of the new Citroën Berlingo, Jumpy and Jumper, FIAT Professional's Doblò, Scudo and Ducato, Opel/Vauxhall's Combo, Vivaro and Movano, Peugeot's Partner, Expert and Boxer as well as the much-anticipated Ram ProMaster EV – set to debut by the end of 2023.
The Pro One launch marks a significant leap toward a greener future, with zero-emission priority at its core. Stellantis introduces the 2nd generation Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) propulsion technology across the board, offering increased range on all models, with some boasting up to 420 kilometers (261 miles) on a single charge. Moreover, this is complemented by the introduction of hydrogen fuel-cell technology for the mid-size van segment, with plans to expand this offering to the large van segment by 2024, all while maintaining a strong focus on performance.
This increase in options will be welcome news for any who have opted for first-gen electric vans from Stellantis brands, but found the range wanting. WhichEV's experience was a dramatic fall in range when driving at high speed in cold, wet weather – so the improvement to powertrains and battery sizes will be a welcome improvement.
Stellantis sys that the Pro One lineup is not just about electrification, but also comes packed with an array of new technological features aimed at enhancing the driving experience and productivity. The list of innovations includes:-
Renewed Cockpits
The interior of the vans has been overhauled, offering drivers a refreshed and more comfortable workspace
New 10-inch Infotainment
The infotainment systems have been upgraded to a 10-inch screen, bringing modern connectivity and convenience to the driver's fingertips
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
The new Pro One vans boast 18 upgraded ADAS, some of which offer up to Autonomous Level 2 capabilities, ensuring increased safety and reducing driver fatigue
100% Connectivity
Stellantis has made 100% connectivity standard in these vehicles, ensuring real-time communication and data exchange with fleet managers and owners
e-PTO (electric Power Take Off)
This innovative solution allows the use of the traction battery for various conversions, enhancing the versatility of these commercial vehicles
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Pro One launch is Stellantis's commitment to connectivity – another area where it becomes clear just how far ahead of the pack Tesla was, when it launched over-the-air updates way back in 2012.
By the end of 2023, Stellantis aims to have 100% of its new vans connected, and from 2026 onward, over-the-air updates will be available, enabling the target of delivering €5 billion in connected services revenue. This represents one of seven accretive businesses within the company's ambitious Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan.
Xavier Peugeot, Senior Vice President of Stellantis Commercial Vehicles Business Unit, expressed his enthusiasm for the Pro One launch: “This 2nd generation of zero-emission vans, in line with customer expectations and offering increased BEV autonomy, additional fuel-cell offer, 18 ADAS, full connectivity, and innovations such as ‘electric Power Take Off,' will reinforce even further our current leadership in BEV vans and in all van segments.”
Stellantis hopes that it's commitment to zero-emission propulsion in commercial vehicles, will position it as the undisputed leader in Europe. The renewed lineup represents a significant leap forward with a 2nd generation of zero-emission technologies, including proprietary EV battery systems that offer greater range without compromising capability. So what are the main changes?
Compact Vans
The second-generation BEV propulsion technology provides the new compact vans with a best-in-class range of up to 330 kilometers (205 miles)
Mid-Size Vans
The battery packs in mid-size BEV vans offer 50 or 75 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy and up to 350 km (224 miles) of range
Large Vans
Large vans benefit from a 110-kWh battery that delivers a best-in-class EV range of up to 420 km (261 miles). These vans can be rapidly charged at 150 kW, taking the battery from 0 to 80% in under an hour
Stellantis is also committed to hydrogen fuel-cell propulsion. In mid-2024, the company is set to launch the 2nd generation of hydrogen fuel-cell power for mid-size vans, delivering a segment record of up to 400 km (249 miles) of range. This technology will expand to the large van segment in 2024, offering a range of up to 500 km (311 miles) and a quick refill time of just five minutes.
All they would be missing there, is a network of hydrogen refilling locations.
The Pro One vans come with a suite of innovative features designed to make the driving experience more comfortable, productive, and safe. These include:
Regenerative Braking System
Drivers can activate this system via steering wheel paddles, maximizing energy recovery by taking into account vehicle weight and road dynamics
Heat Pump in Compact Vans
This feature optimizes energy usage in cold and winter conditions, maximizing vehicle range
New Generation of Human-Machine Interface (HMI)
The Pro One vans feature a more user-friendly HMI, enhancing productivity and safety. Instrument clusters and centre displays are larger and configurable by the driver
Dynamic Surround Vision
Exterior cameras provide a wide view around the vehicle, aiding navigation through traffic and crowded streets
Wireless Connectivity
This feature, activated upon vehicle delivery, ensures drivers stay informed and connected with their fleets in real time, offering cost-saving service packs like preventive maintenance, eco-drive coaching, EV routing, and charge management. Over-the-air updates allow the vehicles to evolve with their users
Smartphone Station (Compact Vans)
A new addition to the compact vans, this feature connects to a dedicated app, turning the mobile phone into a control panel for the vehicle, including interaction with steering wheel buttons, offering a cost-effective way to upgrade the online experience
Level 2 Assisted Driving (Large Vans)
Large vans come equipped with a class-leading Level 2 assisted driving solution, combining Adaptive Cruise Control with stop-and-go function, Lane Centring, and Traffic Jam Assist. Additionally, a new generation of the internal combustion engine pairs with an 8-speed automatic transmission, improving range and capability
Full LED Headlights
All-new commercial vans feature full LED headlights for exemplary vision and safety
Luca Marengo, Global Head of Product – Serial Life for the Stellantis Commercial Vehicles Business Unit, emphasised that the Pro One launch is all about “no compromise – in range, capability, safety, and connectivity.”
The Pro One vans take electrification a step further with the introduction of a 400V e-Power Take Off (ePTO) system. This innovation brings electrification across the entire range of commercial vehicles without compromising payload capacity. The ePTO draws power from the installed traction battery, eliminating the need for a separate power source.
Finally, the Ram brand will also experience a rejuvenation in North America with the introduction of electrified vans and pickups. The ProMaster EV is set to hit the market by the end of 2023, followed by the Ram 1500 REV in late 2024. The future portfolio for Ram will also include hydrogen fuel-cell technology, details of which will be released in due course.
As part of the Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan, Stellantis Pro One aims to double its revenues, achieve a 40% electric vehicle mix, and offer a range of battery, hydrogen fuel-cell, and range-extending propulsion technologies. Over-the-air update capabilities for each new vehicle from 2026 are also in the cards. The suite of connected services is dedicated to improving business customer efficiency, and innovative autonomous solutions are in the pipeline.
By 2030, Stellantis Pro One plans to contribute significantly to the company's goal of reaching a 100% passenger car Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) sales mix in Europe and a 50% passenger car and light-duty truck BEV sales mix in the United States. Furthermore, Stellantis aims to become a carbon net-zero corporation by 2038, including all scopes and with a single-digit percentage compensation of remaining emissions.
If Stellantis can deliver on its promises with Pro One, then this could mark a significant milestone in the evolution of the company's offer for the commercial vehicle industry.