Alfa Romeo Tonale Will Be Fully EV by 2025, According to Stellantis Boss
Upcoming 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale HEV will serve as the stepping stone for the brand’s plans for a 100 percent electric vehicle roster.
Stellantis’ luxury brand (formerly under Fiat-Chrysler at the time) first revealed the Alfa Romeo Tonale concept at the 2019 Geneva Auto Show, and according to Larry Dominique, Head of Alfa Romeo Brand North America, is close to being ready.
“Compared to our competitors, I’m happy to say that our engineering development vehicle is at 95 percent of where we need to be,” said Dominique.
Alfa Romeo has more than a century of performance-driven development; it has always been a mighty competitor on the track, especially with Enzo Ferrari serving as one its flagship racers in the 1920s.
But as the world changes, so must the auto industry. The chase for automotive excellence will (eventually) replace compression and combustion for watts and voltage. And Alfa Romeo wants in on the pie.
This is why they have been crusading the “la metamorfosi” (metamorphosis) of the brand, and the Tonale is Alfa Romeo’s roadmap for future EV affairs.
“We’re all about performance. But what we’re really trying to do as we change our DNA is (re)inventing Italian sportiness for the 21st Century,” said Dominque. “It is the first time we have been able to embed all of the latest automotive technology in an Alfa Romeo.”
It’s not only packed with creature comforts, but also some competitive resolve. The Tonale features drive-by-wire, brake-by-wire and a 13.6:1 steering ratio, which is no doubt quite sporty for a CUV PHEV.
The automaker plans to release six new EV products on its roster, starting with the Tonale, which will have a lot of the trendiest EV tech of today as standard (i.e. wireless charging, wireless Car Play, OTA updates, etc).
The Tonale is AWD and combines a 15.5-kWh lithium ion battery with a 90 kW electric motor and either a 1.3-liter or 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder.
The 1.3-liter engine comes equipped with six-speed automatic transmission, while the 2.0-liter comes with a 9-speed. Total horsepower is 272 and 295 respectively, and both have an electric range of approximately more than 30 miles.
Photos: Derin Richardson
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