Fiat Grande Panda Electric: A New Chapter in Urban EV Mobility

Discover the Fiat Grande Panda Electric, a compact EV built on Stellantis' Smart Car platform. Learn about its specs, features, pricing, and competition in the growing small EV market.

Fiat is entering the battle for the compact EV market with the Grande Panda Electric – a fresh take on the brand’s legendary city car. Built on the Stellantis Smart Car platform, this vehicle promises affordability, style, and modern technology, setting its sights on rivals like the Renault 5 E-Tech, Hyundai Inster, and Citroën e-C3.

From the start, the Grande Panda makes a strong statement: with a base price of £20,975, it becomes one of Europe’s most affordable electric superminis. The premium La Prima trim costs £23,975, offering more advanced features. While Fiat has hinted at lower-cost variants with a smaller battery, they have not yet been confirmed for the UK market.

Under the hood, the Grande Panda packs a 113hp (83kW) electric motor and a 44kWh battery, delivering a 199-mile WLTP range. It accelerates to 62 mph in 11.0–11.5 seconds, with a top speed of 82 mph. One unique feature is the built-in charging cable, cleverly stored behind the front grille. However, it is designed exclusively for 7kW AC charging, while fast DC charging (up to 100kW) is available via a separate rear-mounted port.

Retro meets modern in the design, with nods to the original 1980 Panda while embracing contemporary styling. Inside, sustainability takes center stage: the Bambox dashboard (33% bamboo content) in the La Prima version and recycled plastic from beverage containers reflect Fiat’s commitment to eco-friendly materials.

The equipment list is impressive. Even in the base (RED) trim, the Grande Panda offers LED headlights, cruise control, lane-keeping assist, autonomous emergency braking, rear parking sensors, and manual air conditioning. The La Prima version adds a rearview camera, front parking sensors, navigation, wireless phone charging, and heated front seats. A 10.25-inch infotainment screen is standard across all trims.

Fiat has lacked a strong B-segment presence since the discontinuation of the Punto, and the Grande Panda aims to fill that gap. However, it faces stiff competition not only from external brands but also within Stellantis, where the Citroën e-C3 and Vauxhall Frontera share the same platform.

Production takes place at Fiat’s Kragujevac, Serbia plant, a key facility for the brand. While the company has not disclosed expected production volumes, the model is clearly aimed at the mass market.

Will the Grande Panda capture the hearts of city EV buyers? Early reviews suggest a fun and practical option, but success will depend on pricing, positioning, and Fiat’s ability to stand out in an increasingly crowded segment.

Source: am-online.com