Carmaker Stellantis stated Thursday it could halt manufacturing of the electrical model of its emblematic Fiat 500 in Italy resulting from weak demand, a transfer that comes as EV gross sales have slowed in Europe.
Development in electrical automobiles has stalled in lots of European nations, partly resulting from expiration of presidency incentives.
“This measure is important to a present lack of orders,” stated Stellantis in a press release.
The carmaker added it was investing 100 million euros ($110 million) to offer the compact mannequin a stronger battery and increase manufacturing capability on the Fiat Mirafiori manufacturing unit outdoors Turin.
The present Fiat 500e gives a spread of as much as 320 kilometres (199 miles).
Europe intends to finish gross sales of latest fossil fuel-powered vehicles in 2035 however uptake of battery-electric automobiles has been hobbled by their excessive costs and restricted vary.
Authorities incentives have helped briefly increase gross sales whereas in the long run new cheaper and extra highly effective batteries may broaden uptake.
Plans for Europe to fabricate extra of its personal batteries took successful earlier this week when Swedish electrical automotive battery producer stated it could reduce its workforce and cut back operations.
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