VM test drive & strategy Fiat E-Ulysse/E-Scudo: Faster electrification together

Besides the Scudo, the Ducato could also receive a Fuel-Cell Hybrid

Speaking of Fuel Cell: it is generally seen as an immediate CNG and a perspective diesel replacement. Therefore, the Fiat Ducato could also have a Fuel Cell model, as Eric Laforge, Head of Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) at Stellantis in Europe, hinted in an interview with VM. However, for the time being, the (brand new) diesel in the Ducato also has its (doubly SCR-catalyst-cleaned) place. "We have customers who drive 800 kilometers daily, and diesel is still indispensable for them," says Laforge. The so-called Natural Power Technology, which Fiat has staunchly supported for many years with its strong home market in Italy, referring to the CNG drive, is history with the new edition of the Ducato, announced in passing, so to speak.

The end of a long CNG era at Fiat

This is regrettable insofar as the technology, thanks to biomethane, would have had enormous bridging potential, which is also met with high demand in the truck sector. But under the synergy-driven Stellantis boss Carlos Tavares, such niche solutions have no chance; they are dealt with swiftly, focusing on rapid electrification. Marengo also hints that sooner or later, there could be a unification in the electric drive of large vans, where Peugeot-Citroen-Opel currently still rely on a conversion solution from BD Auto. In case of doubt, it will likely boil down to the "house" Fiat solution, whose development was impacted by the merger with PSA and was already in progress at the time of acquisition. However, the Fiat drive package appears more thoroughly developed after initial impressions and seems to be a more flexible package of motor, batteries, and charging technology.

The diesel Ducato has the more modern on-board electronics

Incidentally, the E-Ducato is also expected to eventually get the thorough electronic facelift of the diesel, including infotainment, driver assistance with electric power steering with active steering intervention, adaptive cruise control, and traffic jam assistant. However, this does not have top priority, because among commercial customers, the electric drive is more important, and the operations are mostly in urban areas. Nonetheless, a modern drive system also includes a modern overall package, including integrated telematics. The manufacturer already claims cost parity with diesel in terms of operating costs, being more expensive to purchase but cheaper in the medium term. And more future-proof regarding further entry restrictions, as Eric Laforge promotes.

Trend towards SUV in passenger cars, vans more commercially used

The fact that the Ulysse large family cars are being converted to electric drive immediately has not only to do with the general electrification strategy of the company but also with the trend towards SUVs in passenger cars and a simultaneous professionalization in minibuses. Here, Eric Laforge believes the offered electric range would cover the majority of the spectrum. Incidentally, this is also the case one class higher with the Ducato: they cover 80 percent of commercial users with the battery sizes of 47 kWh (235 km) and 79 kWh (370 km), especially with optional fast-charging technology. However, this is generally less in demand, as commercial "night chargers" manage well with cost-effective AC technology. And customers, as yet electrically inexperienced "early adopters," prefer to play it safe with range and choose the larger variant, reports Luca Marengo, LCV Product Manager at Stellantis. Many are not very aware of the actual ranges but value flexibility.

The Doblo is also likely to be soon converted

The next step for the commercial vehicle division is likely to come with the replacement of the City Van Doblo, which is estimated to be "migrated" to Stellantis' EMP2 platform in 2023 - and then is likely to come as an all-electric version, as is already the case with the van versions of the Peugeot-Citroen-Opel counterparts. As with the Doblo, the micro-van Fiorino is also on its last independent rounds, as a combustion engine and CNG, mind you. An electric version will not be available on this platform. However, a Citroen Ami with a Fiat label is also not expected, which Eric Laforge does not see so much as a vehicle but as a "device." It is conceivable that Stellantis might tinker with dedicated city delivery vans following the example of Renault and Toyota. One thing is certain: Electrification is coming fastest in tandem. And Tavares' pace and consistency are impressive.