NEW DIRECTION
Major car brand discontinues petrol version of popular motor… and replaces it with electric SUV coming to UK next year
The company is set to invest €50 billion in electric vehicles over the next decade
A MAJOR car brand is discontinuing one of its iconic petrol and diesel models - and replacing it with an EV.
The industry giant has announced it will phase out one of its most popular petrol cars as it focuses on producing EVs going forward.
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An official statement from Alfa Romeo has confirmed that the legendary Stelvio SUV will be replaced in 2025.
The new Stelvio is set to become the first Stellantis car to use its 800V electrical system - allowing it to zoom from 0-62mph in 2 seconds.
Although not much is currently known about the EV upgrade, it is thought that the use of 800V electrics will allow for it to charge much faster than most electric cars on the market.
Currently, it is thought that the Stelvio EV might use a battery with a capacity ranging from 85kWh to 118kWh, but that it would allow for rapid charging speeds of up to 4.5kWh per minute.
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There has been speculation that the Stelvio will rival the new Porsche Taycan - “the most dynamic Taycan of all time” and Porsche's most powerful EV yet.
However, the modern beasts are thought to remain largely unchanged on the inside, with each car maintaining its focus on the driver.
Alfa CEO Jean-Phillipe told Autocar last year that his customers aren't looking for top-end, high-tech gear inside their gears.
He said: “I respect what Mercedes is doing with its digital technology, of course, but my customers aren’t looking for metre-wide infotainment screens in their cars or 200 digital assistance systems to switch on and off.”
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Stellantis could not be contacted for comment.
The news follows Stellantis' recent announcement that the company will be increasing their production of electric vehicles.
Last month, the car giant invested €103 million in Szentgotthard, a production site in Hungary - which will focus on the electrified future.
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Stellantis is also set to invest more than €50 billion in electric vehicles over the next decade.
The company hopes to reach their goals of becoming carbon net zero by 2038.
Other major companies, like Audi, are set to unveil their latest electric cars later this month.
Audi’s next-gen Q6 is based on the new “Premium Platform Electric”.
It’s the new system for electric cars being used by Audi and Porsche, and it's only the second model to be launched - after the Porsche Macan EV.
The new Q6 is thought to come in a range of powertrain options including a mid-range Q6 with 396 hp and a high-speed beast performing at 603 hp.
However, some car users remain sceptical of EVs - with one mechanic labelling them a "scam".
Scotty Kilmer has claimed that "there are no rules" that charging companies have to abide by in terms of price, so they can vastly hike fees.
He said: "Electric vehicles are now costlier to charge than gasoline cars in many locations.
"I'm busting the myth that it's cheap to charge your electric car. There are no rules, people selling electricity could charge whatever they want.
"As people start buying more electric cars, the people selling them electricity will start raising their rates, just like I said.
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"In some areas, instead of charging you by the kWh - which would be fair - they are charging by the minute you're plugged into the machine.
"You might think well does that make a difference? Well, I'll tell you right now that makes a big difference."
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