If there’s one thing that the EV market sorely needs, it’s more low-priced, entry-level models, and rumor has it that an upcoming electric version of the Fiat Panda will be aimed at the unglamorous but potentially profitable bottom end of the market.

We can only call this a rumor at this point, as Fiat’s web site says nothing about an electric Panda, but parent company Stellantis has certainly been working to transcend its history as an EV laggard, and a small, cheap EV would surely find many buyers in Europe (the tiny Panda is not sold in the US, and probably never will be, alas).

Fiat President Oliver Francois recently told AutoExpress UK, that he sees his brand as a “sleeping giant” that’s due for an awakening. “There will be a future for Panda as a name plate,” said he. “I pitched the latest 500 initially as a convertible: high-end, full of options and 30,000 euros. The day I introduce the future Panda, I’ll probably do the opposite. I’ll introduce the most naked version with an incredible price.”

The upcoming Fiat Panda is believed to be based on the Centoventi concept, which Fiat showed off in 2019. The concept featured “plug-and-play” interior accessories, including storage pockets and seats, designed to be installed directly by the customer. The dash has an adjustable “dock” that can hold a phone or tablet, theoretically eliminating the need for the usual dashboard touchscreen—a modern component that adds a lot of cost and often seems to generate a lot of complaints.

Source: AutoExpress UK via Electrek