Stellantis has announced a significant leap forward in electric vehicle (EV) development with a $29.5 million investment in cutting-edge aerodynamics testing technology at its Auburn Hills research center in Michigan. 

According to Stellantis, the centerpiece of this upgrade is the introduction of Moving Ground Plane (MGP) technology, a sophisticated system designed to revolutionize how the company tests and improves EV aerodynamics.

The enhanced wind tunnel facility, which can generate wind speeds exceeding 160 mph, now features an innovative testing setup that more accurately simulates real-world driving conditions. The MGP system employs air-suspended belts at all four wheels and a fifth longitudinal belt beneath the vehicle, creating a more precise representation of actual road conditions.

“Range is a core consideration for customers who are transitioning to cleaner mobility through battery power,” stated Mark Champine, senior vice president and head of North America engineering technical centers. “That’s what makes this investment so critical. By reducing drag, we improve electric-vehicle range and, ultimately, the overall customer driving experience.”

A key focus of the upgrade is addressing wheel and tire aerodynamics, which can account for up to 10% of an EV’s total drag. The improved testing capabilities could lead to significant advancements in EV design, potentially allowing for smaller batteries while maintaining range – a change that would reduce both vehicle weight and cost.

The facility’s automation capabilities have also been dramatically enhanced, reducing testing time from hours to minutes for certain procedures. This improvement, combined with real-time data collection, is projected to accelerate the development and market introduction of new EV designs.

Moreover, the Auburn Hills upgrade is part of a broader $85 million investment in R&D capabilities and represents a crucial component of Stellantis’ Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan. This initiative aims for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) to comprise 50% of U.S. sales and 100% of European sales by 2030, with a global target of more than 75 BEV models and 5 million annual vehicle sales.

The facility’s enhanced capabilities are particularly significant for testing larger vehicles, especially those based on the STLA Large and STLA Frame platforms. The measuring platform and turntable at the heart of the MGP system weigh 137 tons and rest on a specially designed steel frame with a concrete foundation.

Notably, this investment builds on Stellantis’ rich history of aerodynamic innovation, which dates back to 1929 when Chrysler Corporation collaborated with aviation pioneer Orville Wright to build one of the auto industry’s first wind tunnels. 

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With Stellantis’ rich legacy of innovating aerodynamic excellence, this newly upgraded facility will play a critical role in enhancing the company’s EV lineup appeal while reaching carbon net-zero status by 2038, helping to shape the future of electric mobility through improved aerodynamic design and improved EV efficiency.

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