- Stellantis raised its wind tunnel to $29.5 million
- The development focuses on aero efficiency to help with EV range
- What used to take hours can now take minutes to change with the recent development of the wind tunnel
Stellantis on Wednesday presented ia $29.5 million wind tunnel development at its main research and development facility in Auburn Hills, Michigan, giving engineers an advanced tool to further improve the efficiency and range of EVs.
The development of the wind tunnel, which has been in continuous operation since 2002, includes provisions for certain air resistance measurements on wheels and tires, said Stellantis, adding that wheels and tires can reach 10% aerodynamic drag in the real world.
Cars remain stationary, belts hanging from cushions in the air and all wheels turning. The fifth moving belt represents the effect of walking on the road. Compressed air drives the belts at speeds of up to 140 mph, and the tunnel can generate wind speeds of up to 160 mph, according to Stellantis. The automaker uses similar wind tunnel technology at other facilities around the world, but the Michigan facility can accommodate larger vehicles—including EVs based on the STLA Large and STLA Frame platforms.
The Stellantis wind tunnel in Auburn Hills, Michigan
Increased automation also means that wheelbase and track changes can take two hours in a typical wind tunnel now. done in minutesaccording to Stellantis. This allows the wind tunnel to continue to serve as an important complement to visual simulation.
“This tool is a great addition to the visual tools, which may not account for things like tire wear that can affect aerodynamics,” said Mark Champine, head of Stellantis' engineering technology centers in North America, in a statement. “With this technology we can replicate such scenarios and capture real-time data to test solutions.”
The wind tunnel is part of the scale $85 million commitment on facility improvements specified in Stellantis' 2019 contract with the UAW. However, the automaker is also reportedly looking to sell its Arizona proving grounds.
The Stellantis wind tunnel in Auburn Hills, Michigan
The need to increase EV range without increasing battery pack sizes has revived a century-old fascination with aerodynamics—typical of Stellantis. The Chrysler Airflow debuted in 1934 with a wind tunnel-tested style that proved controversial at the time. The Airflow name was revived in 2022 with an electric SUV concept, though it's unclear whether that next-generation car or minivan will be Chrysler's first EV.
Another aerodynamic highlight is the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona, based on the STLA Large platform and used to test solid-state batteries. The electric muscle car uses a front airfoil to blend a blunt rear end like a classic 1968 Charger with modern aero requirements. The Daytona name, which stands for all-electric models, also refers to the Charger Daytona race car, which used a sharp nose cone and long rear wing to reduce aerodynamic drag on NASCAR oval tracks.
Stellantis directed 50% US EV sales and 100% European EV sales by 2030, with 75 models worldwide by then.