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Stellantis just dropped some big news: it’s making a $13 billion investment to boost its manufacturing presence in the U.S. over the next four years. That’s no small change. And with more than 5,000 jobs expected to be created, it should be good news for workers in states like Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana.
But here’s the catch: don’t expect a wave of new electric vehicles (EVs) as part of this spending. Stellantis—whose brands include Jeep, Chrysler, and Ram—is steering this investment mostly toward gas-powered vehicles. It’s a move that raises some eyebrows, especially in a time when other automakers are racing toward an all-electric future.
What’s Actually in the Plan?
Five new vehicles are on the list to be developed and produced through 2029. Here’s how it breaks down:
- A range-extended EV will be built at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Michigan starting in 2028. This isn’t fully electric—it’s a hybrid of sorts, using a battery with a gasoline generator to extend its range.
- A gas-powered SUV, also coming out of the Warren plant.
- A next-generation Dodge Durango, which hits the Detroit Assembly Complex in 2029.
- A new midsize gas truck, headed to the Toledo Assembly Complex in Ohio.
- A new four-cylinder engine—named the GMET4 EVO—set to go into production in 2026 at the Kokomo, Indiana factory.
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And notably, Stellantis is reopening its Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois. That’ll enable increased production of the Jeep Cherokee and Jeep Compass, aimed at the U.S. market.
In short, if you’re an engine lover or SUV fan, this roadmap probably makes you smile. If you’re waiting for Stellantis to go all-in on EVs, not so much.
Why the Pivot Away from Full EVs?
This isn’t entirely out of the blue. Over the past year, Stellantis has been quietly pulling back on its U.S. electrification plans. Back in September, it scrapped the idea of an electrified Jeep Gladiator. Just before that, it canceled plans for a battery-electric full-size Ram pickup.
Sure, the company still plans to bring out the extended-range Ram 1500 REV (previously called the Ramcharger), but the EV momentum definitely seems to be slowing down.
And Antonio Filosa, Stellantis’ new CEO and North America COO, hinted at the bigger picture. He said the investment is all about driving growth, strengthening manufacturing in the U.S., and creating American jobs. “Success in America is not just good for Stellantis in the U.S. — it makes us stronger everywhere,” Filosa said.
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Is This the Right Move?
That’s the million-dollar question—or in this case, the $13 billion one.
While competing automakers are doubling down on EVs, Stellantis is taking a more cautious route. It feels like a bet on what they think American drivers will actually want (and buy) over the next five years: reliable, roomy, gas-powered vehicles—and just a sprinkle of hybrid tech.
From a jobs and infrastructure standpoint, this is a boost to manufacturing-heavy states. But environmentally? It’s a bit of a backtrack.
Time will tell if U.S. consumer demand justifies this strategy. For now, it’s clear Stellantis is prioritizing production stability and market share, even if that means pushing electrification further down the road.
Stay tuned—and maybe don’t sell your gas-powered SUV just yet.
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Keywords: Stellantis, US manufacturing, investment, electric vehicles, hybrid technology, jobs, manufacturing states.
