Stellantis has promised to bring small, affordable electric vehicles to the European market with its E-Car initiative aiming to put the first model on the market by 2028.
Production of the urban runabouts will begin at Fiat’s Pomigliano d’Arco plant in Italy, the birthplace of the brand’s hugely popular Panda model, Stellantis said in its May 19 release.
However, the plan announced by group CEO Antonio Filosa will face stiff competition in this mass-market sector from Stellantis’ own joint venture with Leapmotor’s T03 EV retailing in the U.K. from 14,495 British pounds ($19,387) and Renault’s budget brand Dacia selling its Spring Electric 70 for 15,990 pounds, according to Electric Vehicle Database.
In Stellantis’ FaSTLAne2030 strategy presented during its Investor Day on May 21, the company said it will market the new vehicle at less than 15,000 British pounds.
The E-Car project has been recognized by the European Commission, Europe’s trade body, for its potential to boost domestic design and manufacturing jobs while promoting adoption of EVs, said Stellantis.
“The E-Car is a concept that finds its natural match in the small car success that runs deep in our European Stellantis DNA,” said Filosa. “Our customers are calling for a revival of small, stylish vehicles, proudly produced in Europe, which are also affordable and environmentally friendly.”
