Stellantis, the multinational automotive company, made a significant announcement on Tuesday as it unveiled its latest electric SUV, the FIAT 600e. This new compact electric SUV is set to be a strong contender in the highly profitable crossover market and will rival the upcoming Volvo EX30.
The FIAT 600e draws inspiration from its predecessor, the family-friendly Fiat 600 from the 1950s, which was Fiat’s response to the iconic Volkswagen Beetle. Designed as a five-door vehicle, the compact electric SUV offers ample space for up to five passengers and boasts generous interior storage capacity. Measuring 4.17 meters in length, it will be pitted against the 4.23-meter-long Volvo EX30 in the flourishing small SUV market.
See also: Everything You Should Know About Volvo EX30
The compact SUV segment is currently experiencing rapid growth in Europe as automakers strive to meet the escalating demand from consumers. Recognizing this trend, Fiat aims to position the new 600e as an ideal choice for urban commuting as well as outdoor adventures. Equipped with a 54 kWh lithium-ion battery, the 600e offers an impressive range of up to 248 miles (400 km) based on WLTP standards and an even more impressive range of over 372 miles (600 km) in purely urban conditions.
The Fiat 600e is built on Stellantis’s second-generation eCMP platform and shares several components with the Jeep Avenger. Production of the 600e will take place alongside the Jeep Avenger in Poland.
With a 156 horsepower (115 kW) electric motor, the 600e accelerates from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just nine seconds. Drivers can choose from Eco, normal, and sport driving modes, allowing them to tailor the driving experience to their preferences.
See also: Fiat details Future Plans For Electrification
One of the notable features of the FIAT 600e is its fast charging capability. With a 100 kW quick charge rate, the vehicle can charge from 10% to 80% in less than 30 minutes, providing convenience and reducing downtime for owners.
While the 600e draws inspiration from the older Fiat model, it boasts several modern upgrades, including a sleeker front and back end, LED front lights, and a distinctive chrome signature “600” badge.
Catering to the needs of families, Stellantis has ensured that the new electric SUV offers ample storage space. It provides a total of 15 liters of storage compartment volume and a trunk capacity of 360 liters, surpassing the Volvo EX30’s 318 liters.
Inside the vehicle, occupants will find a host of luxurious features, including 64-color combination ambient lighting, massaging front seats, and wireless charging capabilities. The 600e also incorporates a 10.25-inch infotainment system and a 7-inch central instrument cluster, offering a seamless and technologically advanced driving experience.
Fiat will be launching two models of the 600e: the La Prima and (RED), along with the base version. Orders for these models will commence on Wednesday, July 5.
See also: Fiat Quietly Unveils Upcoming Fiat 600e in Vatican Event with Surprise Video Release
Under the umbrella of Stellantis, which includes renowned brands such as Jeep, RAM, Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Citroen, and Peugeot, FIAT currently holds the position of the top-selling EV brand in Europe (as of April 2023) with the Fiat 500e. The global CEO of FIAT, Oliver Francois, has confirmed plans to introduce the 500e to the United States next year in an effort to recapture market share.
While it remains uncertain whether the new 600e will make its way across the Atlantic, it would make strategic sense to introduce a small SUV to the North American market. However, until an official announcement is made, it would be prudent not to set overly high expectations.
Other Stellantis brands, including Jeep and RAM, are also gearing up for their first foray into the electric vehicle market in North America. This includes the anticipated launch of the 2025 RAM 1500 REV electric truck and the Jeep Recon and Wagoneer S models.