Fiat is preparing a small, affordable electric city car, possibly called the Koala, on the same platform as the Citroën 2CV. Fiat executives say it won’t be retro like the 2CV and will carry Panda styling cues. Here’s what is known about the design, range estimates, price and 2028 launch timeline.
Fiat is preparing a new entry-level electric city car, possibly called the Koala, that will share the same small EV platform as the upcoming Citroën 2CV. The model is part of the Italian carmaker’s push for affordable EVs under Europe’s proposed “E-car” category, and could launch around 2028.
Fiat has trademarked the Koala name but has not confirmed it or announced the car’s specifications, price, or release date. The details come from Fiat executives speaking to Autocar at the Paris Motor Show in October 2026.
Fiat CEO Arnaud Belloni told Autocar the company is working on several vehicles based on Stellantis’ E-car platform, including a small car related to the Citroën 2CV. Fiat design chief François Leboine said the first model is as far along as the 2CV concept, but Fiat chose not to show it in Paris.
Belloni said Fiat owns the Koala name. It fits the brand’s tradition of naming cars after animals and would separate the electric model from the combustion-engined Panda, sold in Europe as the Pandina.
The new electric car will likely not be entirely neo-retro-inspired but will have recognisable Panda styling cues. Belloni described the approach as “a very different approach, not neo-retro", according to Autocar.
Technical details have not been released by Fiat. A report from German automotive publication Electrive indicates the car might be under four metres and one tonne. There are various estimates that include a battery range of 200-300 km and a battery capacity of 25-35 kWh, but these are not confirmed.
The company could also take inspiration from the winning design, Ippo, which was chosen by a public vote in Fiat's design competition for Italian university students earlier this year.
The Koala will capitalise on Stellantis' new electric platform, which is engineered for small, low-cost cars. The European E-car framework is a proposal to promote the manufacture of small cars, with a maximum length of 4.2 metres. The category is based on Japan's kei-car segment and is intended to facilitate low-cost EV adoption and European vehicle manufacturing.
The entry price for the Fiat and Citroën versions has been set at around €15,000, but both carmakers have yet to announce the model's price.
The Citroën 2CV concept is expected to be produced in 2028. Fiat hasn't announced a formal reveal date for its potential sister or brother to the Koala.
Pragya is a Technology reporter with over four years of experience in digital media and content writing. She holds a Master’s degree in Journalism and has covered a wide range of stories spanning space, smartphones, gadgets, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies and the ways technology is transforming everyday life. She focuses on breaking down complex technology and science developments into clear, engaging, and reader-friendly stories, with a keen interest in emerging trends and their real-world impact. Before joining her current newsroom, Pragya worked with News9Live, where she covered the technology beat extensively, reporting on smartphones, consumer technology, AI, space and science, while also contributing to video and visual content. Her experience includes breaking news, explainers, SEO-driven stories, product coverage, interviews, unboxing videos and live event reporting. She has also covered major technology and AI events, giving her experience in both newsroom and on-ground reporting. Beyond journalism, Pragya is an avid gamer and a passionate reader of fiction. She enjoys exploring immersive worlds through games and books, with a particular interest in stories that offer new perspectives, ideas, and experiences.
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