Stellantis is developing a new diesel-hybrid powertrain aimed at its next generation of commercial vans. The project is currently in the testing phase at the company’s Pratola Serra engine plant in southern Italy.
Diesel-Hybrid Powertrain Under Development
The Italian metalworkers’ union UILM revealed that Stellantis is quietly working on a diesel engine combined with an electric motor for large vans. This approach contrasts with the industry’s broader shift away from diesel towards fully electric vehicles.
The diesel-hybrid setup is intended for heavy-duty vans like the Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer, and Citroën Jumper. These models are assembled at Stellantis’s Atessa plant, also in southern Italy. The connection between the engine plant in Avellino and the assembly facility in Atessa confirms this powertrain’s likely production path.
Investment and Future Production
Atessa’s assembly plant is currently undergoing a €1 billion investment program to prepare for new technologies and vehicles. While Stellantis has not detailed how much of this budget will go into diesel-hybrid development, the significant overall investment signals a major upgrade for their commercial van lineup.
Stellantis has not shared any technical details like engine output, battery size, or fuel economy yet. The diesel-hybrid system is still in early trials, so no official launch date is available.
Practical Balance for Commercial Use
Combining diesel and electric power may seem like a step back from all-electric trends. However, hybrid diesel vans could offer a useful compromise for transporting heavy loads over longer distances where fully electric options are still limited.
This new powertrain could provide the torque and range required for demanding commercial use while reducing emissions compared to traditional diesel engines alone.
Impact on Italian Operations
UILM also highlighted a 30% drop in the use of temporary layoff schemes across Stellantis’s Italian factories in 2026 compared to 2025. While it’s unclear how this breaks down by plant, the decrease suggests a more stable production environment amid Stellantis’s powertrain changes.
Stellantis is still navigating the challenge of modernizing its commercial van lineup with a mix of traditional and alternative powertrains, with the diesel-hybrid project representing one path forward.
Source: clubalfa.it