Zac Quinn 
For years, Stellantis has relied on buying emissions credits from Tesla to meet regulatory standards and avoid hefty fines for its slew of Hemi V8-powered vehicles. However, a recent declaration from Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares has revealed an end to the era of purchasing emissions credits. This decision further emphasizes the company’s push towards the removal of the Hemi V8 from its production vehicles.
According to Mopar Insiders, Dodge and Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis emphasized Tavares’ stance during the recent interview, highlighting how much of a “game-changer” this will be for the company as it will allow them to make tough decisions and adapt its plans based on compliance trajectories. It should also have a substantial financial impact for Stellantis as it will no longer be spending significant money on Tesla’s emissions credits. Automotive News reports that Tesla made nearly $9 billion from selling such credits to other automakers, including Stellantis, over the past couple of years. Stellantis, along with General Motors, also topped the list for having to pay millions in fines to the EPA, because they were selling so many V8 automobiles. In other words, being penalized for selling cars and trucks that people actually want to buy.
We’ve already seen the implications the decision to no longer purchase emission credits has had on Stellantis as the legendary Hemi V8 has gradually been removed from Chrysler, Jeep, Ram, and Dodge products, with the most recent vehicles to be hit by this shift being the Ram 1500 TRX and the Dodge Durango which will no longer have the Hemi under the hood once the 2024 production year is up. However, whether or not this new strategy will succeed for Stellantis remains to be seen. Sure, the Hurricane I6 engine offers excellent power while being far more emission-compliant than the Hemi V8, but it’s missing that iconic sound that gives the car its soul. Relying on EVs to offset V8 production seems sketchy, especially with hardcore Hemi V8 fans. The thought is perhaps to attract a new customer, but, even that that can be tricky.
Competitors like Ford and General Motors, who have invested millions into new V8 engines on top of expanding their EV strategies, have a different approach to remaining compliant with regulations without forcing consumers into something they don’t want. Granted, if there is a regulatory rollback, things could change for Stellantis, especially if those “new Hemi V8” rumors are true. Time will tell if Stellantis keeps with its current plans or not. It is adjusting its strategy monthly based on regulations, so things aren’t all doom and gloom for the Hemi V8; there may be a light at the end of the tunnel, albeit very small.
