Groupe PSA’s New eVMP Platform Will Spawn EVs As Well As Hybrids

• The platform’s architecture is claimed to accommodate battery packs ranging from 60kWh to 100kWh.

• EVs under this platform will offer an all-electric range of 400km to 650km (WLTP cycle) depending on the vehicle.

• Plans to maximise battery storage utilisation by accommodating 50kWh per meter within the wheelbase.

• Groupe PSA’s current roadmap for India includes the launch of the Citroen brand via the C5 Aircross midsize SUV by Q1 2021 followed by the world debut of a mass-market model.

• eVMP-based EVs will not come to India anytime soon.

Groupe PSA has had a busy couple of weeks. After revealing the ‘Stellantis’ corporate name for the merger between Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Groupe PSA, the company has now unveiled the Electric Vehicle Modular Platform (eVMP) for its future vehicles. This platform will serve as a basis for C- and D- segment EVs, with the company planning to launch electric vehicles under this platform from 2023 onwards. While there are no specifics, PSA says these EVs will make their way to different regions of the world.

The eVMP platform’s architecture will utilise the entire subfloor section of its vehicles for the battery and will be compatible with battery packs ranging from 60kWh to 100kWh. Groupe PSA also claims that it will maximise battery storage within the wheelbase by accommodating 50kWh per meter in the subfloor section. Its electric vehicles will offer an all-electric range of 400 km to 650 km (WLTP cycle) depending on the vehicle. This platform will also be capable of hybridisation to widen the scope of offerings.

Back home, Groupe PSA was initially gearing up to launch the Citroen brand in India around this time starting with the C5 Aircross midsize SUV, but due to the coronavirus pandemic, these plans are likely to be delayed until Q1 2021. Their second car for India will also be making its world debut in the same year.

Could we expect the new vehicles from the eVMP platform anytime soon? At the moment, it’s highly unlikely. However, Citroen has grand plans of electrifying its portfolio by 2025 and if things go well, we could see some of them trickle down to our market. That said, the wait is going to be a long one.