Alfa Romeo starts production of its first plug-in hybrid; Tonale offers 30 miles electric range
03 April 2023
Alfa Romeo started retail production for the all-new 2024 Tonale PHEV. (Earlier post.) Alfa Romeo’s first plug-in hybrid is built at the Giambattista Vico Stellantis plant in Pomigliano d’Arco, Naples, Italy, one of the company’s most advanced production sites. The Tonale PHEV will begin arriving at dealers in June.
The Tonale enters the premium compact CUV segment with standard all-wheel drive, more than 30 miles (48 km) of electric range and a starting US manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $42,995.
US customers who choose to lease their all-new Alfa Romeo Tonale can take advantage of a $7,500 federal EV tax credit.
The plug-in hybrid powertrain features a 15.5-kWh lithium-ion battery and 90 kW electric motor. The additional 1.3-liter turbocharged engine contributes to a best-in-class 285 horsepower. Every Alfa Romeo Tonale PHEV includes all-wheel drive.
Driving dynamics are assisted by a rapid-response Frequency Damping Suspension (FDS) system, engineered to create a comfortable ride and automatically adjust the suspension for spirited driving.
The Giambattista Vico Stellantis plant, designed by Alfa Romeo, has been in operation since 1972. The industrial complex has produced more than 5 million cars to date and has won numerous international awards, including in 2013 with World Class Manufacturing (WCM) Gold certification. The plant has since made significant upgrades for new technology and greater electrification.
Congratulation to Alfa-Romeo for producing this excellent PHEV SUV. PHEV is the way forward instead of BEV, because the PHEV can generate electrical power for my house and for my shop in case of power outage so I don't have to buy and install a separate power generator that would cost extra and extra maintenance. The PHEV allows me to commute daily just like a BEV, and allows me to drive long distances just like a gas car.
The advantages of PHEVs are even greater for vans, SUVs and pickup trucks which require much bigger battery packs than cars. Furthermore, these vehicles are expected to tow trailers every so often, and towing trailers often reduces range to half. So, a 300-mi range BEV when towing would manage only 150-mi range, and requiring recharging for 1 hour every 2 hours. This is too inconvenient. By contrast, many PHEVs have nearly 600-mi range combine, which would make it much better. Furthermore, a PHEV comes with an electric generator to backup your house, your shop, and your camp site with a lot of power...a feature that a BEV cannot match, due to much more limited energy storage capacity of a BEV. With extra Jerry cans carrying gasoline, you can even exceed the energy storage of a PHEV for trans-desert trips, or through vast stretches of winter white in Canada, where energy storage can save your life. Evacuation from hurricanes or from forest fires often require more energy storing capacity, and you often don't have time to wait for Supercharging...and these centers probably would have a long waiting lines...
Posted by: Roger Pham | 03 April 2023 at 03:51 PM
This vehicle resembles the VinFast line of electric SUV, designed by Pininfarina automobile design firm. Perhaps this SUV is also designed by Pininfarina as well, thus the resemblance. I would wish for VinFast to produce PHEV instead of BEV, because PHEV is far more versatile, and costs less than BEV, yet can double the driving range.
Posted by: Roger Pham | 03 April 2023 at 03:55 PM
The Alfa Romeo Tonale has one BIG problem, it’s American twin - the Dodge Hornet - that looks just as good and might be a better deal. Alfa Romeo Marketers are not happy.
Posted by: Gryf | 04 April 2023 at 08:28 AM