Reports suggest that Stellantis is preparing two new hybrid engines for the European market.

To say that the future of the European automobile industry is undergoing a profound transformation would be an understatement. The shift to all-electric power is showing signs of slowing down and is now increasingly threatened by economic and practical realities. While the era of all-electric power as the sole solution appears to be coming to an end, the era of electrification has only just begun. Faced with the growing success of hybrid powertrains, which offer the best of both worlds, the Stellantis group seems to have recognised the new situation. The automotive giant is reportedly accelerating its development of this technology, seemingly in preparation for the launch of not one, but two promising new hybrid engines at the heart of its future range.

Big American brother: a future for Europe?

The first piece of news comes from the United States, where the market has always taken a more diverse approach to electrification. During the unveiling of the new Jeep Cherokee, Stellantis revealed an intriguing full hybrid (HEV) powertrain. Unlike a mild hybrid (MHEV), this system enables 100% electric driving over longer distances and at higher speeds, providing significant fuel efficiency gains. This powertrain is based on a familiar European combustion engine: a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with direct injection. When combined with one or more electric motors, it delivers ample power to drive larger vehicles.

Although this technology was first introduced in the United States, it was reportedly developed with Europe in mind. Its arrival in Europe would enable Stellantis, and consequently Citroën, to provide a viable alternative in the higher segments. The current MHEV offering, based on the 1.2-litre engine, has a maximum output of 145 horsepower, which could be ideal for family and road vehicles. This new hybrid engine would fill the gap by offering a powerful yet economical engine that aligns with the expectations of many European customers who are not yet ready or able to switch to an all-electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle.

A major evolution for the 1.2 engine

Alongside this offering for the upper segments, Stellantis is reportedly working hard on its core range. The second development is a significant and long-awaited update to the 1.2-litre petrol engine. Already available in a 145-horsepower micro-hybrid version, this engine is set to be upgraded. The group is developing a hybrid version of the engine that uses technology similar to that offered by competitors. The objective is clear: to achieve a much higher level of efficiency and performance.

This new version would retain a three-cylinder architecture and aim for a power output of around 180 horsepower. This would be a significant gain, positioning it as a leading offering. It is intended to power a large proportion of the group's future vehicles developed on the STLA Small and STLA Medium platforms. It would therefore be a strategic engine, designed to set a new standard for the majority of the chevron brand's models. It could be introduced at Peugeot by 2028, before being rapidly distributed to all of the group's brands, including Citroën. This would enable Citroën to completely renew its core range with a modern, high-performance proposition.

This dual hybrid offensive is no coincidence. It forms part of a comprehensive, pragmatic and intelligent strategy, as summarised by Jean-Philippe Imparato's remarks at the Munich Motor Show. He confirmed that Stellantis would be expanding its range of electrified engines (MHEV, HEV and PHEV) significantly in the coming months and years. The goal is to enable a flexible and realistic energy transition that will significantly reduce CO₂ emissions without forcing the switch to all-electric power. This is a relevant and anticipated response to the requirements of the European regulator and customer demands and constraints. The two new engines currently under development would be concrete proof of this strategy in action. By offering a powerful 'full hybrid' engine for its larger models and a highly efficient version of its 1.2-litre engine for its core range, Stellantis is ensuring that it has the right tools for the future.