Stellantis has announced the launch of its small and affordable E-Car project; the first E-Cars are expected to roll off the production line in 2028.

Stellantis says the “E” in E-Car stands for European, Emotion, Electric and Environmental friendliness.

The company also maintains that this high potential segment, to be produced in Europe for Europeans, has been recognised by the European Commission for its potential to ‘boost European design and manufacturing jobs while playing a vital role in supporting the wider adoption of full electric vehicles for convenient, everyday, city-centric mobility’.

The E-Car is described by Stellantis as a small, innovative, affordable and fully electric vehicle that is being developed in the true tradition of European ‘people’s mobility’ – addressing the unprecedented contraction of the small affordable car segment in Europe in recent years.

Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa commented: “The E-Car is a concept that finds its natural match in the small car success that runs deep in our European Stellantis DNA. Our customers are calling for a revival of small, stylish vehicles, proudly produced in Europe, which are also affordable and environmentally friendly. Stellantis is answering their call with exciting new models for multiple brands. Production is expected to start in 2028 in our Pomigliano (Italy) plant.”

With the assignment of the E-Car to Pomigliano – and the potential of significant production volumes – Stellantis says it is tapping into the plant’s long history of producing some of Europe’s most iconic and affordable cars, including the Fiat Panda.

Stellantis’ E-Car models will feature cutting-edge design and will be powered by world-class BEV technologies to be developed with selected partners to boost affordability and achieve an accelerated time-to-market.

Stellantis recently announced that it will deepen its relationship with Chinese partner Leapmotor to produce an Opel branded C-segment SUV.