Back to top

Image: Bigstock

Stellantis (STLA) to Redefine Urban Mobility With 600e SUV

Read MoreHide Full Article

Italian-American automaker Stellantis (STLA - Free Report) unveiled its newest electric vehicle (EV), the Fiat 600e, marking a significant addition to its portfolio and the brand's return to the B-segment. The model follows the legacy of its predecessor, the Fiat 600 from the 1950s, mirroring its commitment to family-friendly features but supercharging it with state-of-the-art technology and design upgrades.

Model Specs: Melding Heritage With Modernity

The Fiat 600e is a five-door, five-seat vehicle, which seamlessly merges storage convenience with urban sleekness and aims to captivate urban commuters and adventure enthusiasts alike. The exterior aesthetics of the Fiat 600e hark back to Fiat's iconic designs, with the front end reminiscent of the New 500 and the rear-end design heavily influenced by the 500X. Despite its compact size, the New 600e, with its ample storage space, promises an upgraded driving experience.

The Fiat 600e's driving range, enabled by a 54-kWh lithium-ion battery, is its game-changing feature. It can deliver up to 248 miles (400 km) of range, which extends to over 372 miles (600 km) in purely urban operation. With its 115 kilowatts (156 hp) electric motor developed in collaboration with Nidec, this car provides an energy-efficient yet thrilling driving experience. It is homologated under the WLTP mixed cycle for an energy efficiency of 15.1 to 15.2 kWh/100 km and a range of 406 to 409 km.

The Fiat 600e is based on Stellantis' eCMP platform and will be manufactured in Poland alongside its sibling model, the Jeep Avenger. This shared production facility will result in cost efficiencies and flexibility. The Avenger, which shares the same wheelbase as the 600e, will also offer an internal combustion engine option in select markets.

Fiat 600e will be offered in two fully-electric variants — the New Fiat 600e La Prima and the New Fiat 600e RED edition. Fiat will commence accepting orders for both models starting July 5th, with the initial batch expected to hit the Italian market by September.

Riding the Wave of Compact SUV Demand

The compact SUV segment is currently the fastest-growing automotive segment in Europe, driven by increasing consumer demand. Automakers are actively seeking to capitalize on this trend and Fiat's entry with the 600e positions the brand strategically to meet the needs of European customers while embracing sustainable mobility.

With a starting price below $40,000 (€36,490), the new 600e embraces the spirit of the B-segment while offering upgraded features and an enhanced driving experience. The Fiat 600e is part of the fiercely competitive crossover market and directly competes with upcoming models like the Volvo EX30. By leveraging its affordable price, impressive range and spacious interior, Fiat aims to attract customers seeking a compact electric SUV that combines style and practicality.

Stellantis EV Future: A Potential Growth Opportunity

Fiat is doubling its offering in Europe's crucial small SUV segment with the New 600e, coexisting with the 500X. Under the Stellantis umbrella, which includes illustrious brands like Jeep, RAM, Alfa Romeo, Maserati, and more, Fiat currently holds the top-selling EV model in Europe, the Fiat 500e.

Fiat’s global CEO, Oliver Francois, has announced plans to bring the 500e to the United States next year. However, there is no official word about whether the 600e will also make the transatlantic journey. With the success of the Fiat 500e in Europe, the brand aims to regain market share by introducing the model to the United States. The potential introduction of the 600e to North America could offer promising investment opportunities as Fiat taps into the small SUV market.

Other Stellantis brands are also preparing for their EV debuts in North America with exciting models like the 2025 RAM 1500 REV electric truck, Jeep Recon and Wagoneer S.

As Fiat expands its EV lineup and eyes potential entry into the North American market, investors should keep a close watch on the brand's progress, which aligns with the broader push toward sustainable mobility within the Stellantis family.

A New Chapter for Fiat

Fiat’s unveiling of the 600e signals a pivotal moment in its journey toward sustainable urban mobility. The car's impressive features, from its distinctive design to its electric performance, underpin Stellantis’ strategic decision to seize opportunities in the growing electric SUV market. As the brand seeks to regain market share, the 600e embodies Fiat's commitment to its heritage and its readiness to innovate for a sustainable future.

Zacks Rank & Key Picks

Stellantis currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

A few top-ranked stocks in the auto space include Honda (HMC - Free Report) , Subaru Corp (FUJHY - Free Report) and Li Auto (LI - Free Report) , each sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for HMC’s current fiscal year sales and EPS estimates implies year-over-year growth of 16.5% and 30.7%, respectively. The company’s fiscal 2024 EPS has been revised upward by 9 cents in the past 30 days. Honda’s fiscal 2025 EPS is pegged at $4.16 per share, suggesting year-over-year growth of 5.1%. The stock has gained around 34% year to date.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for FUJHY’s fiscal 2024 EPS is pegged at $1.29/share, implying an uptick of 33% year over year. The consensus mark for fiscal 2024 EPS has been revised upward by 19 cents in the past 30 days. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2025 EPS is pegged at $1.41a share, implying 10% growth year over year. The stock has gained roughly 25% year to date.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for LI’s current-year sales and EPS estimates implies year-over-year growth of 131% and 2,400%, respectively. The consensus mark for the 2023 bottom line has improved from a loss of 8 cents per share to a profit of 25 cents a share over the past 60 days. The company’s stock has gained nearly 78% year to date.

Disclaimer: This article has been written with the assistance of Generative AI. However, the author has reviewed, revised, supplemented, and rewritten parts of this content to ensure its originality and the precision of the incorporated information.

Published in