Stellantis recreational vehicles and vans abandon the thermal to keep only the electric. Several factors explain this decision, including the CAFE standard.
The new year is often synonymous with changes, good resolutions and adaptations. 2022 is no exception, but marks an unprecedented turning point for certain models of the Stellantis automotive group. Recreational vehicles and vans (except utility versions) see their combustion engine version disappear, in favor of a single electric variant.
The models concerned are Citroën Berlingo, Peugeot Rifter and Opel Combo Life as well as their big brothers Citroën Spacetourer, Peugeot Traveler and Opel Zafira Life. These cousin models each lose their petrol and diesel versions, only for the versions reserved for individuals and passenger transport. The utility versions are for the moment still offered with thermal in the price brochures for 2022.
The European CAFE standard in question
Several factors are behind this astonishing decision. The sudden (and potentially temporary) shutdown of PureTech and Blue HDi engines in these segments is linked to the more severe ecological penalty in 2022, as well as a weight penalty (from 1800 kg) which could impact some buyers. But it is above all the European CAFE standard that has buried the thermal, yet in great demand on these heavy vehicles and imposing size.
Indeed, the European Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standard requires manufacturers to reduce their average CO2 emissions each year on pain of penalties. Thus, a forced march towards electrification has been launched in recent months, somewhat disrupted by the semiconductor crisis. With supply and production difficulties, the brands have done everything they can to deliver hybrid and electric vehicle customers as a priority, leaving aside certain heat engines and certain segments. The Berlingo, Rifter and Combo Life as well as the Spacetourer, Traveler and Zafira Life, with thermal engines without micro-hybridization, are therefore the first targets.
Toyota, the exception that proves the rule
Small subtlety, however: if the Peugeot, Citroën and Opel models abandon the thermal, This is not the case with Toyota which can still offer its ProAce City Verso and ProAce Verso in gasoline as in diesel. This is precisely thanks to its good scores for the CAFE standard. Toyota, thanks to its range largely made up of hybrids, seems to have a little more room than Peugeot, Citroën and Opel to compensate for the heavy weight of recreational vehicles and thermal vans in the calculation of CO2 emissions averages.
Photos : DR.
Also read on Auto-Moto.com:
Renault Kangoo 2021 test: our opinion behind the wheel
Citroën Berlingo XL test
Stellantis recreational vehicles and vans abandon the thermal to keep only the electric. Several factors explain this decision, including the CAFE standard.
The new year is often synonymous with changes, good resolutions and adaptations. 2022 is no exception, but marks an unprecedented turning point for certain models of the Stellantis automotive group. Recreational vehicles and vans (except utility versions) see their combustion engine version disappear, in favor of a single electric variant.
The models concerned are Citroën Berlingo, Peugeot Rifter and Opel Combo Life as well as their big brothers Citroën Spacetourer, Peugeot Traveler and Opel Zafira Life. These cousin models each lose their petrol and diesel versions, only for the versions reserved for individuals and passenger transport. The utility versions are for the moment still offered with thermal in the price brochures for 2022.
The European CAFE standard in question
Several factors are behind this astonishing decision. The sudden (and potentially temporary) shutdown of PureTech and Blue HDi engines in these segments is linked to the more severe ecological penalty in 2022, as well as a weight penalty (from 1800 kg) which could impact some buyers. But it is above all the European CAFE standard that has buried the thermal, yet in great demand on these heavy vehicles and imposing size.
Indeed, the European Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standard requires manufacturers to reduce their average CO2 emissions each year on pain of penalties. Thus, a forced march towards electrification has been launched in recent months, somewhat disrupted by the semiconductor crisis. With supply and production difficulties, the brands have done everything they can to deliver hybrid and electric vehicle customers as a priority, leaving aside certain heat engines and certain segments. The Berlingo, Rifter and Combo Life as well as the Spacetourer, Traveler and Zafira Life, with thermal engines without micro-hybridization, are therefore the first targets.
Toyota, the exception that proves the rule
Small subtlety, however: if the Peugeot, Citroën and Opel models abandon the thermal, This is not the case with Toyota which can still offer its ProAce City Verso and ProAce Verso in gasoline as in diesel. This is precisely thanks to its good scores for the CAFE standard. Toyota, thanks to its range largely made up of hybrids, seems to have a little more room than Peugeot, Citroën and Opel to compensate for the heavy weight of recreational vehicles and thermal vans in the calculation of CO2 emissions averages.
Photos : DR.
Also read on Auto-Moto.com:
Renault Kangoo 2021 test: our opinion behind the wheel
Citroën Berlingo XL test
