Stellantis has enhanced the wind tunnel at its U.S. headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan, aiming to improve the range of its electric vehicles by minimizing aerodynamic drag.
On Wednesday, the automaker announced a $29.5 million investment in the facility to implement moving ground plane technology, which features a rolling surface.
This technology includes a belt for each wheel, functioning like a treadmill, along with an additional belt that runs lengthwise beneath the vehicle to simulate real driving conditions.
This configuration enables the test vehicle’s wheels to turn at realistic speeds, allowing engineers to obtain more precise data on airflow resistance from the wheels and tires. The wind tunnel has been operational since 2002 and can generate wind speeds exceeding 160 mph.
Stellantis wind tunnel in Auburn Hills, Michigan
According to Stellantis, airflow resistance from wheels and tires can influence real-world aerodynamic drag by as much as 10%. Reducing this resistance could enhance vehicle range, potentially allowing for smaller batteries which would reduce costs and weight, the company stated.
Stellantis already employs moving ground plane technology at other locations, although these are geared towards smaller vehicle platforms. Engineers at the Auburn Hills facility will concentrate on larger vehicles, particularly those built on the STLA Large and STLA Frame platforms.
This investment aligns with Stellantis’ broader strategy to cut costs in various areas. As part of this effort, the company has reduced its workforce and is also shutting down a testing facility in Yucca, Arizona. CEO Carlos Tavares, who is set to retire in early 2026 at the conclusion of his current contract, previously warned in July that some of Stellantis’ 14 brands may be discontinued if they fail to improve performance. This caution follows a report earlier that month indicating a 48% year-over-year decline in net profits, primarily attributed to falling sales in the U.S.
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