The Stellantis group may appear to have pressed pause on electrification—at least that is the impression often conveyed in North America. In reality, the situation looks quite different in other markets, particularly in Europe. According to France’s National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI), Stellantis filed 1,294 patent applications in 2025.
- Stellantis ranks first for the third consecutive year
- 1,294 patents were filed in 2025, compared with 1,289 in 2024
- Stellantis has lost more than $30 billion CAD related to electrification
While the pace of electrification in the United States and Canada has fluctuated alongside government incentives, the European market tells a different story. In 2025, electric vehicle sales across the continent surged by nearly 30%. Yet even as demand grows, the automaker has reported losses exceeding CAD $30 billion (US$26.3 billion), linked largely to its electric-vehicle strategy.
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By the company’s own admission, Stellantis may have moved too quickly relative to consumer demand. One example frequently cited is the Dodge Charger EV. While enthusiasts understand that traditional powertrains will eventually give way to electrification, jumping directly from a HEMI V8 to a fully electric model felt less like a natural progression and more like a provocation for many muscle-car loyalists.
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As a result, some programs have been cancelled, delayed, or reconsidered. Jeep’s 4xe plug-in hybrid lineup has been cancelled, while the group continues investing in research and development. The positive takeaway is that Stellantis is not ignoring technological evolution altogether. Still, the return of the HEMI engine in North America and the continued availability of diesel engines in Europe sends somewhat mixed signals about the company’s long-term strategy.
A Record Year in 2025
This brings us to 2025, when the INPI released its annual ranking of companies filing the most patents in France. For the third consecutive year, Stellantis topped the list. In fact, the company’s 1,294 filings represent five more patents than in 2024.
Anna Laliron, Direction de l’Innovation at Stellantis“The first two years of Stellantis, we finished second twice. Now, for the third consecutive year, we are first. It demonstrates the strength of our innovation, particularly in France,” said Anne Laliron, Stellantis’ Chief Innovation Officer.
What is even more surprising is that roughly 50% of Stellantis’ global patents are filed in France.
The “Freedom of Choice” Strategy
“Freedom of choice” has become Stellantis’ guiding phrase when it comes to powertrain options. Of course, the concept of choice still depends on what the automaker ultimately decides to offer consumers. RAM is a good example. Buyers can choose an inline-six engine, the older V6, and even the returning HEMI V8. Yet the range-extender electric version announced more than three years ago has yet to arrive. And the fully electric RAM pickup is cancelled. In that sense, Stellantis’ so-called “freedom of choice” can feel somewhat contradictory—at least for the moment.
The cancelled Ram 1500 REVAntonio Filosa’s Approach
Antonio Filosa, the new CEO of Stellantis who replaced Carlos Tavares, appears to have a different vision from his predecessor. While Tavares pushed for rapid transformation, Filosa is taking a more pragmatic and measured view of the automotive transition.
Antonio Filosa CEO of StellantisEven though electrification appears to be slowing in North America, Anne Laliron has defended the new CEO’s approach:
“Antonio Filosa is very supportive of promoting creativity and protecting our innovations.”
Still, the concept of “freedom of choice” remains central to Stellantis’ strategy. The automaker plans to continue moving forward with electrification, albeit at a slower pace.
A Multi-Energy Strategy
The goal is to develop a “multi-energy” strategy that balances different technologies and gives consumers several options. According to Stellantis, this means continuing to advance projects tied to electrification and battery components, while also expanding work on conventional hybrids and improving traditional internal-combustion engines.
2026 Citroen C5 AircrossFor Laliron, remaining active in research and development is a key strategic advantage for Stellantis in both the medium and long term. When consumers are ready, the company says it will be ready as well—with the technologies and innovations needed to meet demand.
May 21: A Key Date for Stellantis
May 21 will be an extremely important date for Stellantis’ future and for how the company’s strategy is perceived. That is when the group will hold its Investor Day, a major event during which Antonio Filosa is expected to outline the next phase of Stellantis’ roadmap.
The big question remains: how will the new CEO adjust the company’s trajectory after a series of announcements that, so far, have appeared focused largely on short-term financial solutions? The answer should become clearer in the weeks ahead.
Information’s sources: L’Automobile Magazine et Auto-Infos.fr)
