Stellantis plans to launch new small electric cars under the Fiat and Citroën brands using a platform from Chinese automaker Leapmotor. This move could help Stellantis price its future city cars below €15,000, a rare feat in the European EV market.
Leapmotor T03 Platform as Basis
Reports say Stellantis will base its next-generation affordable electric vehicles on the Leapmotor T03. This compact electric car, already sold in Europe for around €16,900, offers a suitable architecture for city driving with a top speed near 130 km/h.
- The current Leapmotor T03 is 3.62 meters long.
- It was briefly assembled at Stellantis’s plant in Tychy, Poland.
- The new versions will be built in Italy from 2028 onward.
Production in Italy to Support Legacy Sites
Starting in 2028, Stellantis will manufacture the revamped T03-based models at its Pomigliano d’Arco plant in Italy. This move supports the plant’s future, replacing the outgoing Fiat Panda and Alfa Romeo Tonale production.
- The new Fiat and Citroën electric city cars will be assembled alongside existing models.
- Stellantis aims to avoid costly new platform development by leveraging Leapmotor’s technology.
Distinct Fiat and Citroën Designs Expected
While sharing the underlying platform, the Fiat and Citroën models will feature unique designs aligned with their brand identities.
- Citroën’s model will echo the original 2CV’s simple and lightweight ethos.
- Fiat’s new city car will be smaller than the current Grande Panda, possibly reviving the Panda’s historic spirit.
- Both models will likely maintain a moderate battery range of about 250 km to keep costs and weight down.
Strategic Partnership to Tackle Market Challenges
Using Leapmotor’s platform allows Stellantis to offer an affordable electric city car amid rising development and regulatory costs. This partnership highlights a growing trend of European manufacturers collaborating with Chinese firms to stay competitive.
Stellantis has a 51% stake in the Leapmotor joint venture, facilitating this cooperation. Both Fiat and Citroën confirm that their future EVs will include a high share of European components despite the Chinese technology base.
Why This Matters
Stellantis’s plan could reshape the affordable electric car market in Europe. By building smaller, pragmatic EVs using Leapmotor’s proven platform, the group aims to revive beloved European icons like the 2CV and Panda while keeping prices under €15,000. This approach may help Stellantis better compete against both European rivals and Chinese newcomers targeting the city car segment.
Source: italpassion.fr