By Jake Groves
► Stellantis announces new E-Car production
► Will be built in Italy in 2028
► New regs haven’t even been finalised yet…
Stellantis will design and manufacture a range of new, ‘small and affordable’ cars tied to the upcoming new range of E-Car regulations planned to come into force in Europe.
The auto group says its E-Car project will produce these new, small and much simpler cars for its various brands at its Pomigliano plant in Italy, which currently produces the Alfa Romeo Tonale.
Those brands could include the likes of Citroen and Fiat. Citroen brand CEO, Xavier Chardon, has already signalled his appetite to create a small and simple electric car that would be priced under €15,000 that could embody some of the spirit of the original 2CV. Fiat, meanwhile, could use the E-Car regulations as a vehicle to make a non-Grande version of the Panda.
E-Car was a term first mentioned by European Commission leader Ursula von der Leyen. ‘Millions of Europeans want to buy affordable European cars, so we should also invest in small, affordable vehicles,’ says von der Leyen during her 2025 State of the Union. ‘I believe Europe should have its own E-Car. E for ‘environmental’, ‘economical’ and ‘European’.’
The official E-Car classification designation is M1E, but the regulations for the class haven’t yet been confirmed. The plan is for M1E cars to measure under 4.2 metres, with the EU considering incentives to ensure the resulting production car supply chains are entirely based in Europe.
Stellantis making this announcement may perhaps be a strategy to influence lawmakers in the European Union to finalise the rules, given the automotive giant is such a significant part of the industry in the region. ‘Our customers are calling for a revival of small, stylish vehicles proudly produced in Europe, which are also affordable and environmentally friendly,’ says Stellantis CEO, Antonio Filosa, in a statement. ‘Stellantis is answering their call with exciting new models for multiple brands.’
Stellantis’ announcement might also be a tactical jumping of the gun to get in front of Renault Group, the other huge European manufacturing group that has openly expressed an interest in working to these new regulations – but hasn’t yet made any official manufacturing commitments.
The closest competitors from the Renault Group could be a production version of the Dacia Hipster concept, with senior executives within the Group also saying the Renault Twingo and 5 could be modified to fit E-Car rules.
By Jake Groves
CAR's news editor; gamer, trainer freak and serial Lego-ist
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