FCA range electrification continues – Jeep PHEV next

Tests have begun on the new production line for the Jeep Compass – including a plug-in hybrid version – at Fiat Chrysler Automobile’s 25-year-old Melfi plant in Basilicata.

FCA’s plans to electrify its whole range, while respecting each brand’s guidelines, and form an e-mobility team to coordinate all electric activities.

This will ensure Jeep customers perceive mobility and the use of their vehicle in a new way, FCA says.

“To offer customers everything they need to drive an electric car on a daily basis and with peace of mind, a whole new ecosystem must be created for its use, in both a competitive and sustainable way.”

FCA says it will also require the signing a series of agreements with various partners such as Enel X, Engie, Terna, Transatel, Lexis Nexis and Generali.

“The goal? To help customers choose the electric car that best suits their needs and provide a complete range of stress-free services.”

Twelve electric versions of new or existing models are planned.

The Mirafiori complex in Turin will house production of the Fiat 500 battery electric vehicles and hybrid and BEV Maserati models (also to be produced in Modena).

Further plans include production of the Ducato Electric and the new Alfa Romeo Tonale, both at Italian plants.

FCA established the ‘Plant Academy’ at Melfi in 2015 as an experimental breeding ground for ideas towards electrification and a “talent factory” focused on developing individual potential.

It aims to improve the Melfi factory’s overall competitiveness, economic sustainability, product quality and capacity to create innovation.

Production of the Jeep Compass at Melfi starts early 2020 and will be followed by PHEV versions for both the Compass and Renegade to respond faster to growing demand in Europe.

The Jeep Compass is already produced in Mexico, Brazil, China and India.

The electrification project and Melfi upgrade are part of the Italian FCA 2019-2021 five billion euro investment plan, announced last November to face future market challenges.

The Melfi plant has produced 7.4 million cars since 1994.

FCA brands include Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler Dodge, Fiat, Fiat Professional, Jeep, Lancia, Ram and Maserati.