Fiat considers launching Grande Panda EV in global markets, including North America
Fiat Grande Panda EV
Italian automobile manufacturer Fiat has confirmed that it mulling plans to launch the budget-friendly Grande Panda EV in global markets, including North America. If everything goes as expected, the Grand Panda EV will enter the highly-competitive U.S. market as the cheapest battery-powered car. In Europe, Fiat aims for the battery-powered version of the Grande Panda to be one of the cheapest electric cars.
Fiat’s parent, Stellantis, wants to leave no stone unturned to carve out a special space for the Fiat brand. The Fiat 500e city car is quite charming but it is also somewhat expensive. That is the reason for Fiat aiming to offer the electric version of the Grande Panda as one of the cheapest EVs not only in the European markets but also in the U.S.
The Grande Panda EV makes use of the Stellantis “Smart Car” platform, which can be described as a reformed version of the e-CMP platform, which caters to not-for-U.S. EVs, such as the Peugeot 208. The recently rolled out Citroën ë-C3 has the same platform.
Based on the same platform, the Fiat Grande Panda EV comes equipped with a 44-kWh battery and 110-hp electric motor on the front axle. The front-wheel-drive (FWD) setup is similar to its Citroen counterpart. The driving range of the EV hasn’t been confirmed by the manufacturer yet, but it is expected to be roughly 198 miles (WLTP), as that of the ë-C3. In case, it is made available in the U.S., one can expect its range somewhere near 150 miles on a single charge. The Fiat 500e also has a similar-sized battery and e-motor, with an EPA-estimated range-rating of 149 miles on a single charge.
While Fiat has yet to confirm the price for the Grande Panda EV, it is expected to start at approx. 22,000 GBP or $28,500 USD. That would be substantially more than EVs like the affordable Dacia Spring, the Fiat Grande Panda EV offers twice the power and five seats instead of four.
Fiat’s plans of introducing the Grand Panda EV globally, including Canada and the U.S., marks a strategic shift towards budget-friendly electric mobility. With promising tech specs and competitive pricing, expectations are high that the Grand Panda EV’s potential entry into global market wouldn’t only expand its footprint but also cater to a growing demand for affordable EVs, potentially reshaping the brand’s presence in the global electric car landscape.
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