Fiat Koala EV to launch in 2028 on 2CV platform

Fiat is preparing to launch a subcompact electric car called the Koala in 2028. The new model will be based on the same platform as the reborn Citroën 2CV, which debuted as a concept at the Paris motor show and is also scheduled for a 2028 sale date. This marks Fiat's first dedicated entry into the small electric vehicle segment, aligning with a new European regulatory push for affordable EVs under 4.2 meters in length.

The Koala will not mimic the neo-retro style of the 2CV. Instead, its design approach is inspired by the Ippo concept, a blocky hatchback that recalls classic and modern Pandas. The Ippo design was selected by public vote following a Fiat design contest for Italian university students. Development of the Koala is being led by winning students Luca Di Tonto and Alessio Vasta from ISIA Roma Design. Seven students were originally offered apprenticeships, with four remaining in the design studio.

Fiat has trademarked the Koala name as part of its European animal-named lineup, which includes the Panda and the Grizzly SUV. The brand will use bear-themed names for its small cars, though Kodiak is off-limits due to Škoda's prior use.

2CV platform and pricing foundation

The Koala builds directly on the dimensions and pricing strategy of the Citroën 2CV. The 2CV concept is 3.76 metres long, weighs around one tonne, and is targeting a launch price of approximately €15,000. An entry price around the same €15,000 figure has been rumoured for the Koala. Both models will be built together at the Pomigliano d’Arco plant in Italy.

Platform and regulatory context

The shared foundation is a new bespoke Stellantis small-EV platform. This architecture is designed for a new vehicle class first proposed by Stellantis and the Renault Group in July 2025. The European Commission adopted the framework in December 2025, though it has yet to be signed into law. The so-called M1E-class limits cars to 4.20 metres in length and requires European production. The rules are inspired by Japan's Kei car segment, which accounts for about 40 percent of that domestic market.

Stellantis has confirmed that E-car production will start at the Pomigliano plant in 2028. The platform is intended to be adapted to different body styles and brand characteristics. Fiat has yet to confirm UK pricing or timing for the Koala.

Fiat design chief François Leboine stated that the first of Fiat's E-cars is as ready as the 2CV is, but the brand decided it was not the right moment to show what they are doing. Fiat CEO Arnauld Belloni has described the upcoming Koala as impressive and a wow, emphasizing that city cars are now the priority. The Koala will not replace the petrol-powered Panda, which will continue production at Pomigliano until at least 2027 and be renamed the Pandina. Instead, the electric Koala will be offered as an additional model in a different class.

The European rules incentivize these compact EVs by allowing M1E-class cars to count as 1.3 vehicles in CO₂ fleet calculations, improving manufacturers' averages. Realistic battery capacities are expected to be between 25 and 35 kilowatt-hours, likely using lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry, for a WLTP range of approximately 200 to 300 kilometres. Power outputs under discussion range from 29 to 37 kW for pure city cars, with more versatile variants offering 44 to 66 kW.

At the Paris show, Fiat also revealed the Multiplay concept, a Grizzly-sized mix of pick-up, SUV, and van, and a near-production version of the Multiplina four-seat light vehicle. The Multiplina, a reinterpretation of the 600 Multipla in the L7e quadricycle class, is set to enter production in 2028. The confirmed launch timeline for the Koala remains 2028 at the Pomigliano d'Arco plant.