Stellantis needs to carve out an area for Fiat by any means doable. The Fiat 500e is charming, even when it’s form of costly, nevertheless it seems to be like Fiat’s subsequent act will go a budget and cheerful route. Fiat is aiming for the electrical model of the Grande Panda to be one of many most cost-effective EVs in Europe. Oh, and it would simply make it to america. If Fiat’s Grande Panda enters the U.S., it simply would possibly find yourself being the most affordable EV on the market in america.
We’ve seen the Grande Panda earlier than, however on June 11, Stellantis and Fiat let extra particulars concerning the subcompact runabout slip to the general public. Fiat says this automotive makes use of the Stellantis “Sensible Automotive” platform, an altered model of the e-CMP platform used on not-for-U.S. automobiles just like the Peugeot 208. This identical platform is shared with the not too long ago launched Citroën ë-C3.
Fiat has plans for the U.S.
Fiat’s renaissance within the US is reportedly extra than simply reintroducing the 500e. Fiat’s North American Lead, Aamir Ahmed, was clear that the model plans to introduce extra electrified fashions to develop the model.
Thus, the Fiat Grande Panda EV makes use of the identical 44 kWh battery and 110 horsepower front-motor, front-wheel-drive setup as its Citroen counterpart. The vary isn’t official or EPA-certified, however we anticipate the Grande Punto to get roughly the identical 198-mile WLTP score because the ë-C3. If it have been to come back to the U.S., we’d in all probability anticipate an EV vary of someplace within the 150-mile ballpark. The Fiat 500e has a equally sized battery and electrical motor and is rated for 199 miles on the WLTP cycle however solely 149 miles on the EPA cycle. Not quite a bit, but when it’s low cost sufficient, it could possibly be a compelling providing.
Fortunately, regardless of sharing a lot of its mechanical bits with that automotive, the Grande Panda isn’t a straight-up rebadge of the Citroën ë-C3. The Grande Panda’s inside is fundamental however fascinating. There’s wooden trim, a number of floor modifications, and fascinating detailing – just like the mini unique Fiat Panda encased in translucent plastic mounted subsequent to the infotainment display screen.
However that is extra than simply us right here at InsideEVs lusting after one more fairly priced EV we’ll by no means see on American roads. No, Fiat itself introduced that this mannequin is into consideration on the market in North America.
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Fiat
Fiat hasn’t totally confirmed the worth, however the model expects the Grande Panda to start out at roughly 22,000 GBP, or $28,500 USD at present trade charges. That’s considerably greater than automobiles just like the ultra-cheap Dacia Spring, however not like the Dacia Spring, the Fiat Grande Panda has double the ability and seating for 5 as an alternative of 4. Additionally, Stellantis has been open about its plans to promote a low-cost $25,000 EV right here in america. The Fiat Grande Panda could possibly be that automotive. Add in the truth that Fiat North America lead mentioned we’d know extra concerning the potential for Fiat’s US plans after a date that coincided with the discharge of the Grande Panda, and it’s not onerous to place two and two collectively.
I hope for Fiat’s sake that it accelerates and decides. The Fiat 500e is on their own within the showroom, and it’s not clear how lengthy that may go on.
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