WITH demand for hybrid cars going through the roof, multi-brand car maker Stellantis is reacting swiftly by ramping up the number of models fitted with the company's latest eDCT technology.

With a 41 per cent increase in its sales of hybrid-powered models so far this year and demand expected to grow even more, Stellantis - the parent company of Citroen, DS, Peugeot and Vauxhall - is planning to roll out a clutch of new hybrid models in the coming months and years.

A total of 30 hybrid models will be available across all Stellantis brands - which also include Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Jeep - this year and another six new hybrid models will be launched between now and 2026.

Models fitted with the latest hybrid technology include Citroën's new C3, new C3 AirCross, C4, C4X, C5 AirCross and C5X, the DS 3 and DS 4 as well as the Peugeot 208, 308, 308 SW, 408, 2008, new 3008, new 5008 plus Vauxhall's Corsa, Astra, Astra SportsTourer, Mokka, Frontera and the new Grandland.

Key to the hybrid range expansion is the group's new, state-of-the-art eDCT technology and its integrated 21-kW electric motor. The system's 48-volt, 0.9-kWh battery delivers up to 1 km of range in steady driving and can also provide some electric propulsion during light-load cruising or coasting.

Stellantis is currently building hybrid vehicles in more than 70 per cent of its plants in Europe with the eDCT powertrains produced in France and Italy, supplying 11 vehicle manufacturing plants. Combined production capacity is over 1.2 million eDCTs per year.

Says Sébastien Jacquet, Stellantis deputy chief engineering officer. "Hybrids are easy to use and don't require any change in driving habits compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. Our advanced eDCT technology allows the internal combustion engine to remain off, particularly during low-speed driving, resulting in reduced CO emissions and fuel consumption. This is not just innovation; it's innovation within reach of everyone."