Electrification

Mopar's Level 2 wall charger now available on Amazon, headed for FCA's consumer websites

Eileen Falkenberg-Hull
Jan 15, 2020, 9:32 am

FCA has committed to launching 30 new electrified models by 2022.

Photo courtesy of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.

Americans love Amazon. FCA is taking steps toward electrification. At CES, Jeep showed off plans to offer plug-in versions of the Wrangler, Renegade, and Compass under the "4xe" badge. Now, the company is offering Mopar's 240-volt (Level 2) wall charger on Amazon. The same charger will go up for sale on FCA's consumer websites as the company solidifies rollout plans for electrified models.

FCA has committed to launching more than 30 electrified nameplates by 2022. Electrified nameplates means vehicles that are either hybrids, plug-in hybrids, or battery electric vehicles.

2020 Chrysler Pacifica The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid features a plug-in electric and gasoline-powered powertrain. Photo courtesy of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.

The company has identified launches of electrified Jeep vehicles, a second-generation Fiat 500 EV, Fiat Ducato BEV, and a hybrid Maserati in 2020, though not all the models will make it to U.S. shores.

"Our industry is approaching an inflection point in demand for affordable long-range electric vehicles," said Micky Bly, Head of Global Propulsion System Engineering, FCA. "This action is just one of FCA's efforts to improve awareness and convenience in the EV purchase experience. We see opportunities to make owning an EV easier and creating a simple solution for at-home charging is among them."

The wall charger is currently available for sale at Chrysler.com. Clicking on the link directs the user to Amazon where they can purchase the charger and select a home installation option.

The cost of the charger is $599.99 and it is eligible for free shipping. Buyers can opt for a professional installation via Amazon for an extra $550 per unit.

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Merger News

It may take 12-14 months before the FCA-PSA merger is finalized

Negotiations are underway as part of the closing elements of the FCA-PSA Group merger.

Photo courtesy of FCA-PSA

In an interview with Reuters, Michael Manley, CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles said merger talks are progressing well with PSA Group but that it may take 12-14 months before a deal is complete.

Late last year, the two companies agreed to a $47 billion merger to create the fourth largest automaker in the world by volume and the third largest by revenue. Using 2018 tallies, the two companies accounted for a combined 8.7 million vehicle sales.

The comments reiterate the timeline Manley had publicized after the deal was signed in December, signaling an early 2021 merger completion date.

In December, a news release issued by the companies indicated that there are no plans to close any factories and that the company expects to be cash flow positive from the get-go.

Americans should expect at least 13 vehicle brands to be caught up in the FCA-PSA merger but persons worried about the fate of Chrysler and Dodge should be comforted by side comments made by PSA personnel this week at indicated that the merger will not include the loss of the historic nameplates, at least right away.

Current negotiation points in the merger include how the variety of the companies' platforms will work on vehicles made by the combined automakers, and where shared resources in regards to underpinnings, powertrains, etc. can benefit the company as a whole.

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Production

Subaru heads toward mass electrification as the automaker lays out 2030 model goals

Subaru recently debuted its VIZIV Tourer concept.

Photo courtesy of Subaru Corporation

Subaru has a goal. By 2030, they want at least 40 percent of their globals sales to come from electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles. To get there, the automaker will be continuing to work on electrification via the application of the technology to Subaru's current lineup.

"Although we're using Toyota technology, we want to make hybrids that are distinctly Subaru," Chief Technology Officer, Tetsuo Onuki, recently commented to Reuters. "It's not only about reducing CO2 emissions. We need to further improve vehicle safety and the performance of our all-wheel drive."

Subaru VIZIV Touring concept the VIZIV Touring concept has a WRX-like front end.Photo courtesy of Subaru Corporation

At first, this plan likely means more model variants in the same vein as the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid. Reuters has reported that the first new model that will enter the Subaru lineup under this plan will be a "strong hybrid" vehicle using Toyota technology. But, it's not coming until later this decade. Subaru previously activated this partnership in the marketplace to launch the Crosstrek Hybrid.

The automakers are also working together to launch an all-battery electric car (BEV) around that time as well.

Don't set your calendar yet. Plans are continually developing and timelines are bound to shift as the market for new vehicles changes. Subaru will likely keep the public updated as their plans develop by releasing concept car versions of their designs ahead of any big news.

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