Stellantis is discreetly developing a tri-motor electric vehicle configuration that has the capability to power itself | Carscoops

      The company's intentions remain unclear, but possibilities range from a new Ram to a substantial Chrysler sedan.

      Stellantis has filed patent WO/2025/184156 for a tri-motor Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) featuring an onboard gasoline generator. The two-motor EREV configuration of Ramcharger might develop into a three-motor system. Chinese EREVs such as the Maextro S800 and Yangwang U8 provide proof of concept for these types of vehicles.

      Recently, Stellantis has been quite active. While news has predominantly highlighted the return of the Hemi V8, the company has continued its journey towards electrification. A newly published patent outlines a system aimed at managing torque among three electric motors along with an additional torque source, likely a gasoline engine, indicating that Stellantis is preparing for new extended-range electric vehicles.

      The patent WO/2025/184156 discusses a solution for a three-dimensional optimization issue to balance torque distribution across each motor and the generator while ensuring the battery remains charged. It acts as a blueprint for overseeing a highly intricate EREV platform.

      The patent was filed by FCA US LLC (Stellantis is still using FCA for its North American operations) and released on September 4, 2025, marking the first mention of this tri-motor EREV configuration from the automaker. While the focus is primarily on the technical obstacles associated with coordinating multiple drive units and generator output, the prospective applications are particularly exciting.

      Where Might It Be Used?

      What vehicle might this powertrain feature in? CarBuzz suggests that the next-generation Ram pickup is the most likely option. The Ramcharger already employs an EREV system, and a tri-motor variant could potentially compete with the Tesla Cybertruck, offering greater range and possibly enhanced towing capacity. However, there may be a more suitable application for it.

      In China, the Maeextro S800 combines three electric motors with a 1.5-liter turbo generator, achieving a combined range of up to 1,333 km (828 miles). The Yangwang U8, on the other hand, utilizes four individual wheel motors alongside a 2.0-liter engine to deliver supercar performance and nearly 1,000 km (640 miles) of range.

      A New Chrysler Flagship?

      This could be an opportunity for Chrysler to make a grand return with a notable vehicle. Currently, the brand only offers minivans and hasn't had a true flagship since the 300. Introducing a new Imperial with an advanced tri-motor EREV powertrain could represent a significant comeback in the luxury segment, providing Chrysler with a distinctive option in a competitive market.