The latest episode of The InEVitable features Mamatha Chamarthi, the former chief software business officer at Stellantis, discussing the industry’s shift toward electrification, software-defined vehicles, and the reactions surrounding the Ferrari Luce and Dodge Charger EV. Drawing on decades of automotive technology experience, Chamarthi shares her perspective on how iconic performance brands are navigating major changes.
Mamatha Chamarthi Discusses Ferrari Luce and Dodge Charger EV
During the episode, Chamarthi reflects on the launch of the Ferrari Luce and the Dodge Charger EV, two all-electric models that generated significant discussion among enthusiasts.
A self-described tifosi and loyal supporter of Ferrari, its Formula 1 program, and its production vehicles, Chamarthi also played a key role on the software side of Stellantis while Dodge transitioned the Charger from V-8 engines to electric motors and introduced its “Brotherhood of Muscle” marketing campaign.
The conversation explores which of the two vehicles she found more disappointing in terms of honoring each brand’s heritage, with the episode presenting her data-driven perspective.
Software-Defined Vehicles Remain a Key Focus
Chamarthi first gained wider recognition in 2023 through MotorTrend’s documentary Coding the Car, which examined the rise of software-defined vehicles (SDVs). Her experience spans nearly 30 years across original equipment manufacturers, including DaimlerChrysler and Stellantis, as well as suppliers such as ZF and Goodyear.
In the episode, she provides an update on the current state of software-defined vehicles and the broader automotive industry based on her years of experience.
Stellantis Strategy and Vehicle Software
The discussion also examines whether the transition to software-defined vehicles can continue alongside what the episode describes as a current, and potentially brief, return to internal combustion powertrains.
Chamarthi addresses developments at her former employer, Stellantis, which has made significant announcements about reducing its emphasis on electric vehicles while bringing V-8 engines back to some of its most recognizable models.
The episode also covers Dodge’s “Fratzonic” chambered exhaust system developed for the Charger Daytona.
Can One Software Platform Support Every Powertrain?
Another topic explored is whether centralized vehicle computing, including zonal architectures and increasingly complex software layers, can remain powertrain agnostic.
Chamarthi discusses whether automakers offering gasoline-powered vehicles, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and fully electric vehicles can develop a single technology stack that supports all of those different applications.
New AI Venture Introduced
Chamarthi also discusses her new company, LumiOm.ai, which she says has recently “come out of stealth.” The AI enterprise is built around the concept of “strategy as a service.”
The episode presents her views on the automotive industry through the lens of nearly three decades working as a technologist at several of the world’s largest automotive companies.
Where to Watch
The episode of The InEVitable is available on YouTube and through podcast platforms where the show is distributed.
