Fiat Unveils Groundbreaking Grande Panda EV with Integrated Charging Cable, Launching 2025
August 6, 2024
Fiat is set to revolutionize the electric vehicle market with its next-generation Grande Panda, which will feature integrated charging cables, launching in early 2025.
This innovative design will make the Grande Panda the first electric vehicle to include an integrated charging cable, simplifying the charging process by eliminating the need for separate cables.
The charging cable will be cleverly stored behind a panel on the front fascia, utilizing a retractable design that Fiat claims will 'reinvent' the charging experience.
An Instagram video from Autocar has showcased the integrated charging cable extending from a hidden compartment in the front grille, highlighting its user-friendly design.
Current electric vehicle owners often struggle with cumbersome charging cables that can become dirty and clutter storage areas, a problem Fiat aims to solve with this new design.
Carlos Tavares, CEO of Fiat's parent company Stellantis, emphasized that this innovation is intended to enhance user-friendliness by preventing charging cables from being placed on dirty ground.
The Grande Panda will be equipped with a 44kWh battery, allowing for an additional 120 miles of range to be added using the integrated AC cable, which charges at speeds of up to 7.4kW in just over four hours.
In addition to the integrated AC cable, a separate DC charging port will enable faster charging at rates up to 100kW, catering to various user needs.
While the front-mounted charging cable will not support rapid charging due to cooling requirements, the separate DC port ensures that users can still benefit from quick charging options.
Fiat's design includes a coiled cable that retracts into the vehicle's body when not in use, further enhancing convenience for drivers.
Upon its release, the Grande Panda is expected to be one of the most affordable electric cars in Europe, with prices starting at less than £22,000.
Summary based on 2 sources