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In an effort to battle with Europe's cheapest EVs, Fiat is working on a new EV inspired by the Panda, a compact car that's grown to become an icon over in Europe. The company's main goal is to position it as an affordable EV that closely matches the prices of its cheaper, gas-powered counterparts. But more interestingly, the Panda EV could be imported to North America, slotting above the upcoming 500e as Fiat's second U.S. model. Not only would it quickly gain the crown as America's cheapest new EV, but it would likely bring the brand's struggling American arm far more sales success than a tiny city car ever would.
Fiat expects to price the Panda EV at below €25,000, which would equate to around $27,000 at current exchange rates. In America, this would bring the Panda into Chevy Bolt EV territory, with its $26,500 starting price making it the cheapest new EV available stateside. The Bolt will soon be revived for a second generation, which is expected to get even cheaper.
While affordable EVs haven't quite reached the U.S. market yet, offering a budget-friendly EV for Europe will be no easy feat. Dacia's Spring EV costs only €17,300, or just under $19,000 at current exchange rates, and things will only get more challenging when sub-$20K EVs begin to arrive from China. Other European companies are expected to get in on the battle as well, with the upcoming Renault 5 and Volkswagen ID.2 both targeting starting prices of €25,000 or below.
The Panda won't be the only fun, affordable EV from Stellantis either, despite going it alone in America. The new Panda EV is likely to share many of its components with the soon-to-be-revealed Citroen e-C3, which will be produced in Slovakia with a similarly low price. As reported by Automotive News Europe, Fiat CEO Oliver Francois said there will be "synergies" between the e-C3 and Fiat's future offerings, which all but confirms that the Panda will use Citroen-derived underpinnings.
Previous reports have suggested that the Panda EV will be revealed in July 2024, but that date likely applies to the model's European launch. While the tiny 500e is the only new Fiat confirmed for the U.S. right now, bringing a slightly larger, yet far more affordable EV would be a smart move for a market in dire need of cheaper options.
Would you like to see a small, affordable EV from Fiat in the U.S.?
Image Credits: Fiat
Report
Aug 10, 2023
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Fiat Reportedly Planning Affordable New Panda EV For U.S. And Europe
The tiny 500e may not be the only new Fiat coming to our shores.
In an effort to battle with Europe's cheapest EVs, Fiat is working on a new EV inspired by the Panda, a compact car that's grown to become an icon over in Europe. The company's main goal is to position it as an affordable EV that closely matches the prices of its cheaper, gas-powered counterparts. But more interestingly, the Panda EV could be imported to North America, slotting above the upcoming 500e as Fiat's second U.S. model. Not only would it quickly gain the crown as America's cheapest new EV, but it would likely bring the brand's struggling American arm far more sales success than a tiny city car ever would.
Fiat expects to price the Panda EV at below €25,000, which would equate to around $27,000 at current exchange rates. In America, this would bring the Panda into Chevy Bolt EV territory, with its $26,500 starting price making it the cheapest new EV available stateside. The Bolt will soon be revived for a second generation, which is expected to get even cheaper.
While affordable EVs haven't quite reached the U.S. market yet, offering a budget-friendly EV for Europe will be no easy feat. Dacia's Spring EV costs only €17,300, or just under $19,000 at current exchange rates, and things will only get more challenging when sub-$20K EVs begin to arrive from China. Other European companies are expected to get in on the battle as well, with the upcoming Renault 5 and Volkswagen ID.2 both targeting starting prices of €25,000 or below.
The Panda won't be the only fun, affordable EV from Stellantis either, despite going it alone in America. The new Panda EV is likely to share many of its components with the soon-to-be-revealed Citroen e-C3, which will be produced in Slovakia with a similarly low price. As reported by Automotive News Europe, Fiat CEO Oliver Francois said there will be "synergies" between the e-C3 and Fiat's future offerings, which all but confirms that the Panda will use Citroen-derived underpinnings.
Previous reports have suggested that the Panda EV will be revealed in July 2024, but that date likely applies to the model's European launch. While the tiny 500e is the only new Fiat confirmed for the U.S. right now, bringing a slightly larger, yet far more affordable EV would be a smart move for a market in dire need of cheaper options.
Would you like to see a small, affordable EV from Fiat in the U.S.?
Image Credits: Fiat
