Citroën will also introduce flex hybrid vehicles to the Brazilian market. According to Jornal do Carro, Stellantis will implement the 12-volt mild hybrid system (MHEV) in the French brand, a technology already present in Fiat and Peugeot models.
The expectation is that this novelty will be launched in 2027, initially in the Basalt and Aircross SUVs, as part of the 2028 lineup. Later, the technology should be applied to the C3 hatchback. Currently, it has not been defined which versions will receive this setup or their respective prices.
This addition is part of Stellantis' overall strategy to expand the availability of this system across all its brands in the country.
The development of this technology was carried out by Stellantis engineering in Betim (MG). It debuted in the Fiat Pulse and Fastback models in 2024 and, in 2025, began equipping the Peugeot 208 and 2008.
The system works by combining the 1.0 turbo flex three-cylinder engine from the GSE family with a small electric generator motor connected to the crankshaft via a belt. This component, called BSG (English acronym for belt-driven generator motor), assumes the function of the traditional alternator and starter motor.
The BSG is responsible for igniting the combustion engine and managing the start-stop system, turning off the engine during stops and restarting it when moving. Furthermore, during braking and deceleration phases, the BSG captures some energy from movement, converting it into electricity to recharge the battery, and uses this energy in certain accelerations to assist the combustion engine.
Since it operates on 12 volts, the system does not allow the vehicle to travel exclusively on electricity, unlike plug-in hybrids. The main objective is to reduce the strain on the combustion engine and lower consumption, especially in urban environments characterized by constant stops and starts. Stellantis projects an approximate saving of 10% compared to versions without this setup.