Stellantis has figured out how to sell its future Fiat and Citroën models for less than €15,000: by using its Chinese brand

A few weeks ago, we mentioned a hypothesis which was gaining momentum: the future affordable small electric cars from Stellantis, including the new Citroën 2CV and the upcoming Fiat Panda (or Pandina, or Koala), could use a technical platform developed by Leapmotor. This possibility was merely mentioned by Tianshu Xin, CEO of Leapmotor International, who explained that this solution was one of «the opportunities currently being explored.».

Since then, new evidence has emerged to support this theory. According to the latest reports from *Journal de l’Auto*, this is no longer just a hypothesis: the Leapmotor T03 will indeed serve as the technical foundation for Stellantis’s future E-Car models. This strategic decision could enable the group to succeed where many European automakers have failed for several years: offering a genuine new electric car priced under €15,000.

A Leapmotor T03 manufactured in Italy… alongside Fiats and Citroëns

Today, the Leapmotor T03 is already on the market in Europe with a starting price of around €16,900. This small 3.62-meter electric city car was even assembled for a few months at the Stellantis plant in Tychy, Poland. But the next step is set to be much more ambitious.

Like as we mentioned a few weeks ago, starting in 2028, a new version of the T03 would be produced in Italy, at the Pomigliano d’Arco plant, alongside the future Citroën 2CV and Fiat Pandina. This is important news for the future of this industrial site, which must, in particular, compensate for the end of production of the current Fiat Panda and the planned discontinuation of the Alfa Romeo Tonale. For Stellantis, the benefit is clear: instead of developing an entirely new European platform from scratch for a segment where margins are extremely low, the group could leverage the expertise of Leapmotor, a Chinese automaker in which it holds a 51% stake in the international joint venture.

Does it have similar features to the Chinese city car?

The future Fiat and Citroën models should obviously not be mere copies of the current T03. The body styles, designs, and philosophies will be unique to each brand. Citroën, for example, is developing a car inspired by the spirit of the original 2CV: simple, lightweight, and affordable—but not a high-end neo-retro reinterpretation like the Mini or the Renault 5.

On the other hand, to reduce costs, many of the technical components could be shared. The current Leapmotor T03 already offers some clues: a compact length, an architecture designed for city driving, and a top speed of 130 km/h. This is an interesting figure, since Xavier Chardon, CEO of Citroën, confirmed to Top Gear that the future electric 2CV will indeed be capable of reaching 130 km/h. «You’ll be able to drive at 130 km/h, but you’ll have to take your time,» he explained, noting that this car will, above all, embody the philosophy of simplicity found in the original 2CV.

Stellantis Wants to Compete with Chinese Cars… Using Chinese Technology

The irony is striking: to better combat the massive influx of Chinese automakers into Europe, Stellantis might ultimately have to rely on one of them. But in a market where affordable small cars have all but disappeared due to development costs and regulations, this alliance could become a major advantage.

The battery capacity is expected to be kept deliberately moderate in order to limit weight and cost. The goal isn’t to offer a car with a 500 km range, but rather an electric city car capable of handling daily commutes, with a projected range of around 250 km… much like the current Leapmotor T03. Citroën has already confirmed that the 2CV will be manufactured in Europe using a high proportion of local components. Fiat will also be joining the lineup with a model smaller than the current Grande Panda, which could capture the spirit of the historic Panda.

After a long search for a way to revive the popular European compact car, Stellantis seems to have found its answer: a French icon, an Italian icon… and a Chinese platform from Leapmotor, made in Italy.