Fiat is developing a new, affordable electric vehicle (EV) designed to exploit upcoming changes in European Union (EU) regulations. This car will sit between the ultra-compact Topolino quadricycle and the standard 500/Panda superminis, offering a more practical urban solution while remaining cost-competitive. The key to this strategy lies in the anticipated approval of the ‘L7’ vehicle class, which incentivizes small, lightweight EVs.
The L7 Vehicle Class: A New Opportunity
The EU is expected to promote the L7 category, defining vehicles with an unladen mass of no more than 400kg (excluding battery weight) and a maximum continuous power of 15kW (20.1bhp). This would allow Fiat to produce a more capable EV than quadricycles like the Topolino and Citroen Ami, offering improved performance and range, but at a lower cost than existing small EVs like the Dacia Spring and Leapmotor T03.
However, the L7 regulations also impose limitations. The battery size will be restricted, likely resulting in a range of around 70 miles, making it ideal for city driving but less suitable for longer journeys. This trade-off is deliberate: the EU aims to encourage affordable, sustainable transport options without competing directly with larger EVs.
Stellantis and Fiat Advocate for Regulatory Change
The push for this new vehicle class comes after calls from former Stellantis Europe boss Jean-Philippe Imparato for the EU to revise its EV adoption targets. Imparato argued that current targets are unrealistic given the lack of affordable options, charging infrastructure, and consumer demand.
Gaetano Thorel, the current Head of Fiat and Abarth in Europe, has echoed this sentiment, drawing parallels to the success of Kei cars in Japan. These small, limited-size vehicles dominate a significant portion of the Japanese domestic market, and Thorel believes Fiat can replicate this success in Europe. He anticipates a favorable announcement from EU regulators by December 10th.
Development Timeline and Competitive Pressure
Fiat is confident in its ability to bring this new EV to market quickly, potentially within two to three years. The development team, led by Guillame Clerc, aims to beat Chinese competitors, who currently dominate the low-cost EV segment.
Fiat’s position as the leading brand in Europe’s A-segment (small cars) gives it a significant advantage. As Thorel stated, “Fiat is the master of urban cars.” The company’s recent success in fast-tracking the 500 Hybrid from concept to production demonstrates its agility and efficiency.
Ultimately, Fiat’s strategy hinges on regulatory approval and its ability to capitalize on a growing demand for affordable, sustainable urban mobility. The new lightweight EV represents a calculated move to maintain market dominance in a rapidly evolving automotive landscape.
