Italian automaker Fiat has just introduced its new battery-electric Panda model at a very competitive price of less than €25,000 ($27,000), Reuters reported.
Fiat to sell Grande Panda EV at an affordable price
Fiat Chief Executive Olivier Francois announced during the brand’s 125th-anniversary celebration that the new Grande Panda EV will soon become available in the market for only under €25,000.
The new Fiat Grande Panda EV will also come with hybrid and traditional petrol-powered variants to meet varying customer preferences. However, it must be noted that the new Panda will not immediately supersede the current Panda model. Fiat might continue producing the existing model until 2029 at its Pomigliano factory.
Relevant personalities, including Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares and Chairman John Elkann, attended the event in Fiat’s hometown of Turin. Surprisingly, Italy’s Industry Minister Adolfo Urso was also present despite the government’s previous criticism against the brand.
“We must not resign ourselves to the fact that (Italy) becomes a car museum.”
Italy’s Industry Minister Adolfo Urso asserted in a speech at the event on Thursday
What’s currently known about the new Panda EV?
According to EV.com, the new sub-€25K Fiat Grande Panda will feature a 44 kWh battery that delivers an estimated driving range of more than 195 miles (320 km). The model is suited for city use and weekend trips.
It will also reportedly have an 83 kW electric motor. In addition, it will offer seven exterior color options. Inside, it has a 10-inch cluster and a 10.25-inch digital radio.
The overall design pays homage to the legendary 1980s Panda car with 3D-branded low-relief letters on the doors and a stylish interpretation of classic details.
Low-cost EV strategy
The new Serbia-made Fiat Panda is just one of the multiple low-cost electric vehicle models under Stellantis’ umbrella, including the Citroen e-C3.
The new model aligns with the Italian brand’s strategy to promote EVs through affordability.
“Affordability is never optional on a Fiat.”
Fiat CEO Olivier Francois
In addition, the new Fiat Panda EV spearheads the brand’s plan to overhaul its portfolio, shifting the focus away from compact cars and introducing bigger models.
Looking forward
Apart from the new Panda EV, Fiat aims to launch three more offerings with a 1-year interval for each model until 2027.
These models in the pipeline include a pick-up, a fastback, and a small SUV.
All these new models will ride on Stellantis’ low-cost, multi-energy Smart Car platform, which also underpins the new Citroen e-C3.
They will also have battery-electric, hybrid, and internal combustion engine (ICE) variants.
With the Fiat Grande Panda’s competitive pricing and retro-modern design, the new mode can potentially attract a large pool of customers in the global EV market. Fiat will produce the Grande Panda at Stellantis’ plant in Kragujevac, Serbia, starting in the second half of July.
