Stellantis already possesses the electric minivan of the future, but it is not yet available in the US.
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There seems to be uncertainty regarding what Chrysler represents or what it should be, which has been the narrative of the brand for the past decade. However, we believe we have a clear idea of what it ought to be. The Pacifica stands as the brand's sole offering, and Stellantis is currently in partnership with a Chinese automaker that has just unveiled a new minivan named the Leapmotor D99. Given its specifications and design, we can't find a valid reason for Chrysler not to federalize this model and bring it across the Pacific as soon as possible.
Stellantis owns exactly 19.99% of Leapmotor, the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer that just marked its tenth anniversary in December. The brand launched its vehicle sales in Europe in 2024, but, like every EV startup from China, selling in the U.S. seems like a distant dream. Nevertheless, Leapmotor has access through Stellantis, and the D99—which will be offered as either a fully electric or range-extended vehicle—easily outshines what Chrysler has available on American roads today. Its dimensions are comparable to the Pacifica, as it's only about an inch longer and narrower.
Details on specifications are limited, but the all-electric D99 boasts a 1,000-volt architecture (100 volts more than the newly released Lucid Gravity) and features a 115-kWh "super hybrid cell" battery from CATL that integrates sodium and lithium chemistries. Leapmotor claims a range of 450 miles on the WLTP cycle, though that's typically optimistic, so anticipate around 375 miles under EPA guidelines.
If that's not satisfactory, there’s an option for a range-extender model that utilizes an 800-volt charging system along with an 80-kWh battery. Leapmotor has not disclosed the internal combustion engine used in this version, but they project that drivers should manage around 300 miles (WLTP, so take that into account) relying solely on the battery, which is quite impressive.
The D99 also joins the Leapmotor D19, which has more of an SUV appearance and delivers 536 horsepower. It looks appealing as well, and we can’t overlook how the wheels and silver roof give off a luxurious Merc-Maybach vibe. While the interior of the D99 is yet to be revealed, the D19's cabin appears to be quite decent—at least for passengers—though it would definitely benefit from a less obtrusive dashboard tablet.
Now, back to Chrysler. Some years ago, the brand indicated it was reconsidering the Pacifica for an electric future. Stellantis' attempts in the EV market here have clearly struggled, and with federal incentives and emissions goals being cut, the company seems to have shifted its focus back to packing as many Hemis into vehicles as possible. While the Charger and Ram can retain their V8s, this should not hinder the diversity of powertrains. Completely abandoning EVs would be an incredibly shortsighted move.
What we need to recognize is that the Pacifica will need to evolve in this direction eventually, and Stellantis’ partner may have an attractive product ready right now. It remains uncertain whether the company is still actively developing that electric Pacifica hinted at in the past. Hopefully, it hasn't met the same fate as the Ram 1500 REV—that is, the original all-electric pickup, not the truck now synonymous with the Ramcharger that bears the REV name. It's confusing.
It would be prudent for Chrysler to have a vision for the future of their only product, as the Pacifica currently lacks a sense of ambition. “Chrysler basically invented the minivan,” our Byron Hurd pointed out in his latest review of the premium Pinnacle model. “The Pacifica still carries the banner proudly, but it’s starting to show its age.”
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Stellantis already possesses the electric minivan of the future, but it is not yet available in the US.
The Chrysler Pacifica has seen better days, but Stellantis has a far more advanced van ready to go—if only they would offer it in this market.