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Stellantis pauses Fiat 500e production for four weeks, reflecting a broader slowdown in global EV sales.
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Despite setback, company plans €100 million investment in Mirafiori plant to enhance 500e battery performance.
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Fiat 500e remains affordable EV option in Canada, qualifying for significant federal and provincial rebates.
Stellantis has announced a temporary four-week suspension of Fiat 500e production at its historic Mirafiori plant in Turin, Italy, starting September 13. The decision comes in response to a lack of orders in the European electric car market, as reported by Reuters.
The production pause reflects a broader global slowdown in electric vehicle (EV) sales, which has prompted several automakers, including Stellantis, to reassess their electrification strategies. Industry experts attribute this slowdown to inconsistent green incentive policies across various markets.
Despite the temporary setback, Stellantis is moving forward with plans to invest €100 million in the Mirafiori facility to enhance the battery performance of the Fiat 500e. The company also intends to introduce a hybrid variant of the Fiat 500 between 2025 and 2026, as part of its long-term strategy.
Stellantis envisions transforming the Mirafiori complex into a global centre for sustainable mobility innovation. However, labour unions have called for the revitalization of the plant with the introduction of a new, high-volume, affordable car model.
In Italy, the government has implemented a $1 billion initiative to encourage the transition to cleaner vehicles. However, disagreements persist between Stellantis and the government regarding the most effective incentive strategies to boost EV adoption.
The Fiat 500e continues to be marketed in Canada as an affordable EV option. With a starting price of $42,190, it qualifies for up to $5,000 in federal and $7,000 in provincial rebates, making it the most affordable electric vehicle in its 2024 model year category in the country.
The Canadian version of the Fiat 500e is equipped with a 42 kWh battery, offering an estimated range of up to 227 km. It features fast-charging capability, providing 50 km of range in five minutes. Weighing approximately 1,361 kg, it is the lightest battery-electric vehicle in its segment and includes the Uconnect 5 system for in-car technology.
As Stellantis navigates this challenging period in the EV market, industry observers are closely monitoring how the company will implement its investment in Mirafiori and adapt to ongoing policy changes and market dynamics. The automotive sector continues to adjust manufacturing strategies to align with current market demands for electric vehicles.
2024 Fiat 500e | Photo: Olivier Delorme
