Fiat is developing a new entry-level electric vehicle, which may be named Koala. This model will be built using the E-car platform, developed by Stellantis specifically for compact and economical electric vehicles. This same structure serves as the basis for the future Citroën 2CV, expected to reach European markets in 2028.
According to information released by the European press, the projected cost for this car would be 15 thousand euros, equivalent to approximately R$ 90 thousand. This price is below the R$ 119,990 of the BYD Dolphin Mini, which currently holds the title of the most affordable electric car available in Brazil.
During the Paris Motor Show, Arnauld Belloni, Fiat's current leader, confirmed to the British publication Autocar that the automaker is working on several models based on this new platform, including a compact car derived from the 2CV.
François Leboine, Fiat's design head, stated that the first electric in this line already has considerable progress, comparable to the 2CV project. Despite this, the company opted to postpone its public presentation.
Initial production of these platform vehicles is scheduled to begin in 2028 at the Pomigliano d’Arco factory in Italy, a location known for manufacturing the Panda.
The vehicle's name has not yet been finalized. Belloni announced that Fiat has already registered the Koala brand, following a strategy of naming the line with bear references, such as Panda and Grizzly. It is noteworthy that the koala, popularly referred to as a bear, is classified as a marsupial.
The executive ruled out the possibility of a retro look, similar to the 2CV. Instead, the design may incorporate conceptual elements from the Ippo project, created by Italian students during a competition promoted by Fiat and presented at Milan Design Week in April.
Belloni also clarified that the new model will be a traditional automobile, not an ATV, unlike the Topolino.
The project aims to meet a new segmentation of electric cars with dimensions under 4.2 meters, a topic currently under debate in the European Union. This category is inspired by Japanese kei cars, characterized by being small and having reduced taxes, although this regulation still requires approval.
Additionally, Fiat plans to maintain a combustion engine alternative. The Panda remains the brand's best-selling model in Italy.