MGP technology uses high-pressure compressed air to drive the wheels and center belts at speeds of up to 140 mph (504 km/h). The aero-acoustic wind tunnel upgrade will allow Stellantis to measure and reduce airflow resistance from wheels and tires. According to Stellantis, airflow resistance represents ten percent of the actual total aerodynamic drag. To reduce the latter, the manufacturer hopes to enrich its wind tunnel with Moving Ground Plane (MGP) technology. This would allow it to design electric vehicles more aerodynamically, so they can offer more range on a single charge.

“Range is critical for customers transitioning to cleaner mobility with battery power,” said Mark Champine, senior vice president and head of North America Engineering Technical Centers. . “That’s what makes this investment so crucial.” By reducing drag, we improve the range of electric vehicles and ultimately the customer’s overall driving experience.

Champine added: “For electric vehicles, an increase in range enabled by improved aerodynamics can lead to potential reductions in battery size. This has positive implications through more efficient packaging and weight savings which will ultimately improve the customer experience.

The upgrade allows the company to simulate real-world travel with test vehicles. During the simulation, four belts suspended by air cushions ensure the movement of the wheels at the four corners. The simulation uses an additional belt that extends longitudinally under the vehicle to replicate road travel conditions. Additionally, the wind tunnel is also a valuable addition to virtual development tools. “This device is a great addition to virtual tools, which may not account for factors such as tire deformation that can compromise aerodynamics,” Champine said. “With this technology, we can replicate such conditions and capture real-time data to explore solutions. »

The research and technical center also has vital automation capability, which helps speed up the time it takes to make wheelbase changes and track testing.

This investment also aligns with the company’s Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan. Additionally, the upgraded facility is part of an estimated $85 million investment planned in the 2019 UAW contract. The investment aims to produce a new annex to accommodate test vehicles and an outbuilding to support the MGP system .