Stellantis announces a new battery for its electric vans that doubles the current range, going from 336 to over 500 kilometers. The promise is clear: professionals will be able to work a full day without having to stop to recharge every two hours. However, while the company boasts about innovation to sell more vehicles, the public charging network in Spain remains a disaster with insufficient, broken points or apps that don't work.
Battery chemistry advances, plugs remain forgotten 🔋
The key to this leap lies in a new cell chemistry that increases energy density without skyrocketing the weight of the pack. Stellantis has worked on thermal management and a more efficient cooling system to maintain performance on long routes. The goal is for a delivery van to cover intercity trips without relying on a forced stop. But this technological advance clashes with a stubborn reality: fast charging points remain scarce and are often out of service.
500 km of range to get to... a melted charger ⚡
Now you'll be able to drive 500 kilometers without anxiety, but upon reaching your destination you'll find a charger that has been broken for three weeks or an app that asks you to register five times. Stellantis has managed to keep you from stopping mid-route, but it hasn't ensured there's a functional plug at the end of the journey. It's like selling a phone with a week-long battery but no charger at home. Technology advances, infrastructure remains in the fax era.