Fiat may become the Tesla of the masses

By spare wheel, 10 April, 2022

Fiat is going electric and, beginning in 2023, will sell a Punto that is not named a Punto. This is followed by the Fiat Panda and Fiat 500, which come in various styles and with electric motors. With the merging of FCA (Fiat Chrysler) and PSA (Peugeot/Citroen), the Stellantis Group's multiple brands reflect on their heritage and leverage technical synergies to develop new old models. Fiat will launch an entirely electric model series by 2027, utilizing the four new electric STLA platforms revealed by Stellantis in summer 2021 and scheduled to be deployed sequentially beginning in 2023.

In keeping with the motto: "With the slogan "It is Only Green When It is Green for Everyone," Fiat is setting the standard for cheap and sustainable mobility. Olivier François, the brand's CEO, boldly substantiates the proposal, telling British media: "Fiat should be the people's Tesla: affordable electric vehicles for everybody. Clearly, the cost of electricity must decrease. We will arrive by 2027, if not sooner. The price will determine that. I want us to be the first mass-market brand to go entirely to electric vehicles."

The Italians intend to launch ten models, including four light commercial vehicles, the Strada for South America, and five global automobiles. The latter includes the Fiat 500 in all of its variants, three crossovers, and, beginning in 2023, a B-category car. This compact car will be similar in size to the Fiat Punto "but will not be named the Punto," Francois explains. Due to the STLA-limited Compact's availability until 2026, the Punto replacement will initially be built on PSA's CMP (Common Modular Platform), which also underpins other small vehicles such as the Peugeot 208, Opel Corsa, and the Opel Mokka SUV, DS 3 Crossback, and Peugeot e-2008. The eCMP platform features a fully electric powertrain (Opel e-Corsa or Peugeot e-208). At the moment, electric variants have a range of around 340 kilometers.

Fiat intends to introduce a new model every year beginning in 2022 and continuing until 2027. According to Olivier François, the style for the five globe vehicles has been finished – and two of the models are heavily impacted by the Fiat Centoventi Concept, which was unveiled in 2019. However, the brand's executive left it open, as did the particular timing. "We have two legendary vehicles," he explained, referring to the Fiat 500 and the Fiat Panda. "In the universe of the Fiat 500, there are two distinct models: the Fiat 500 and the Fiat 500X. However, there is still potential for something more - for something more stylish and urban." The panda is on the other side. It is interpreted in a contemporary manner while maintaining the minimalist claim. François also highlights the Centoventi, whose simplicity is inspired by the Fiat Panda. "You will see both tiny vehicles and bigger SUVs."

On the other hand, Fiat will not expand its model line beyond the small class; the brand will remain within the 3.6 to 4.5-meter length range and leave the D segment to sister brand Citroen. This implies that starting in 2026, all Fiat electric models will be built on the STLA compact platform, which features electrical modules with a maximum output of 70 kW.

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After a five-year hiatus, the Fiat Punto, which will no longer be named Punto, will make a triumphant return in 2023. The little automobile owes this to the vast Stellantis group's platform strategy, enabling the company to roll out several manufacturers' "CMP" and "eCMP" platforms. The Fiat 500 and Panda series will receive new models following the Punto's replacement. The designs have been completed in this instance and are based on the Fiat Centoventi research. However, no specific timeline has been established; the only certainty is that Fiat intends to provide completely electric vehicles beginning in 2027.