STLASim: Stellantis’s Multidisciplinary Virtual Analysis Ecosystem

At the formation of Stellantis, various modeling, simulation, and analysis tools were used across the vehicle development process. Unity in modeling was the primary goal in the creation of STLASim, a unified platform developed in the MATLAB^® and Simulink^® environment, that integrates multiple tools and models to address inconsistencies in tool utilization across Stellantis. It combines different vehicle subsystems, such as propulsion and thermal mechanization, into one simulation environment. Users can select the appropriate fidelity of models (e.g., battery, motor, and engine) based on analysis needs, optimizing computational resources. It supports co-simulation with several commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software tools enhancing its versatility.

The platform features a user-friendly HMI that simplifies model configuration and data management. During development, various GUI frameworks were evaluated. MATLAB was ultimately chosen for its native Simulink integration, data processing capabilities, and cross-platform support. STLASim was developed with a structured release process, ensuring each version is fully validated. STLASim supports collaborative development with version control and repository planning, enabling data and model management. It also offers extensive training resources and user support through an online ticketing system. The platform is used throughout Stellantis’s vehicle development V-curve—from conceptualization and validation to virtual calibration—reducing the need for physical prototypes. STLASim is being adapted for high-performance cloud computing via AWS, further enhancing its efficiency. AI tools are also being integrated to improve simulation capabilities.

Overall, the MATLAB and Simulink environment has been crucial to STLASim’s success, providing a modular system with advanced features like reduced-order models, variant management, and cloud connectivity. With support from MathWorks, STLASim aims to become Stellantis's unified simulation framework.