Stellantis said it will begin production of a new generation of compact electric vehicles in Italy from 2028 as the automaker seeks to strengthen its position in Europe’s affordable EV market.
The company said the project, known internally as “E-Car,” will be based at its Pomigliano plant near Naples and will support multiple Stellantis brands.
The future vehicles are intended to target the growing European market for small battery-electric cars, a segment that is also attracting increased competition from automakers including Volkswagen, which is preparing its own compact EV family centered around the upcoming ID. Polo.
Stellantis has not yet released detailed specifications for the E-Car models, though the company said they will use “world-class BEV technologies” developed with selected partners to improve affordability and accelerate time-to-market.
The automaker linked the project to broader European Union efforts aimed at promoting locally manufactured affordable electric vehicles.
The European Commission is currently working on proposed regulations that could require EVs to be assembled within the European Union and use a minimum proportion of locally sourced components to qualify for government incentives.
Stellantis said the future vehicles would be “produced in Europe for Europeans” and described them as “small, innovative, affordable and fully electric.”
The company added that the models would be developed “in the true tradition of European people’s mobility.”
While Stellantis did not identify any technology partners, industry speculation has increasingly focused on possible cooperation with Chinese companies as the automaker seeks lower-cost EV solutions.
Earlier this month, Stellantis confirmed deeper cooperation with Dongfeng Motor involving production projects in China, while the group also recently announced that Opel would become the first Stellantis brand to integrate EV technology from Chinese partner Leapmotor.
Reports have also linked potential future collaborations involving Fiat and Peugeot, although Stellantis has not confirmed those plans.
The company is expected to outline additional strategic details during an upcoming Investor Day presentation led by Stellantis Chief Executive Antonio Filosa.
According to recent media reports, Stellantis plans to focus on four core lead brands globally: Jeep and Ram in North America, and Fiat and Peugeot in Europe.
Antonio Filosa said the E-Car project was designed to revive the shrinking market for affordable small cars in Europe.
“The E-Car is a concept that finds its natural match in the small car success that runs deep in our European Stellantis DNA,” Filosa said.
“Our customers are calling for a revival of small, stylish vehicles, proudly produced in Europe, which are also affordable and environmentally friendly. Stellantis is answering their call with exciting new models for multiple brands,” he added.
The Pomigliano plant currently produces the Fiat Panda, Fiat Pandina and Alfa Romeo Tonale models.
No electric vehicles are currently manufactured at the facility.
Stellantis said the site was selected because of its history producing affordable high-volume vehicles for the European market, suggesting the E-Car programme could become a major production initiative for the group’s future EV lineup.
