Stellantis strikes back: affordable Fiat Panda EV to challenge Renault and BYD

Fuel and electricity prices and inflation may be rising, but Stellantis NV says it has a remedy in sight. Get ready for a new contender in the electric vehicle market: a Fiat Panda-inspired EV, priced under $29,300, which promises not to burn a hole in your wallet while you go greener.

As most of us are aware, the global shift to EVs is well and truly underway. However, with a surge in prices and depleting spending power, there's a significant demand for more affordable EVs, as stated by Fiat brand CEO, Olivier Francois. And Stellantis, the parent company of Fiat, seems poised to meet this demand.

Launching in July 2024, the Fiat Panda EV is set to take on rivals like Renault's Dacia Spring and some noteworthy Chinese carmakers, redefining the game of EV affordability. But this isn't Stellantis' first rodeo in the budget EV arena. The automaker plans to introduce an EV city car from its French brand Citroen, also priced below $29,300, early next year. Dubbed the e-C3, this city car will be manufactured in Slovakia, promising competitive pricing against Dacia Spring and France's upcoming all-electric Renault 5.

With the entrance of Chinese carmakers into the European market, the race for affordable EVs is intensifying. Fiat, not one to lag behind, also has plans to reintroduce its most popular product, the electric 500, in the US - Stellantis's most significant profit pool.

As for the Panda EV, insiders are predicting "synergies" with the platform used for the upcoming Citroen e-C3. Fiat's CEO has been quoted stating the brand's ambition to become the 'Tesla for the people,' and the affordable Panda EV plays a key role in achieving this. Expected to roll out next year, this EV newcomer might be the game-changer we've all been waiting for, promising a desirable balance between cost and functionality.

Panda EV isn't banking only on affordability, though. The new model is expected to outdo the Dacia Spring when it comes to a driving range. Word on the street is that the Panda will share its base with the forthcoming Citroen ë-C3, featuring a battery pack capable of delivering a range of 186 miles WLTP, considerably more than the Spring's 143 miles.

For those not ready to take the EV plunge yet, the new Fiat Panda will likely be available in combustion engine versions too. As we patiently wait for the Panda EV's unveiling in July 2024, the upcoming fall release of the Citroën ë-C3 should give us a sneak peek into what's to come. Until then, keep your eyes on the road and your options open.

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