Tag Archives: Stellantis

News

Fiat Launches Spain’s First Fast Battery Swap Station in Madrid

In a pioneering move towards accelerating electric mobility, Fiat has unveiled Spain’s first fast battery swap station for electric vehicles in Madrid. Launched in collaboration with American battery technology firm Ample and Stellantis-owned car-sharing platform Free2move, the pilot project marks a major milestone in EV infrastructure development.

The initiative introduces a new level of convenience for electric vehicle users: battery swaps in just five minutes, eliminating the traditional waiting times for charging. This service will be available exclusively for Fiat 500e electric models, initially integrated into Free2move’s Madrid-based car-sharing fleet.

Revolutionizing Urban EV Use

Instead of plugging in to charge, Fiat 500e drivers can simply swap their depleted battery for a fully charged one at the station. The entire process is managed via a mobile phone application, offering an intuitive and efficient user experience.

“This technology ensures that users are always ready to drive—no waiting, no charging,” said Fiat in a statement. “The aim is to simplify urban electric mobility and remove one of the main barriers to EV adoption: charging time.”

Fleet Expansion Underway

Currently, 40 Fiat 500e vehicles in the Free2move fleet are participating in the pilot project. That number will increase to 100 vehicles in the coming months, making this one of the most ambitious battery swap initiatives in Europe to date.

Free2move, which operates car-sharing services in major cities across Europe and the U.S., is a brand under Stellantis, the global automotive group to which Fiat also belongs.

Madrid: A Strategic Launchpad

The decision to launch the project in Madrid aligns with the city’s aggressive climate strategy. The Spanish capital has pledged to cut CO₂ emissions by 65% ​​by 2030, making it an ideal testing ground for sustainable mobility solutions.

The project also supports Spain’s national target of having 5.5 million electric vehicles on the roads by 2030, a goal that requires innovative infrastructure and public-private partnerships.

A Model for the Future?

While battery swapping remains rare in Europe, Fiat’s move could signal a shift in how automakers think about EV usability—especially in densely populated urban areas. If successful, the Madrid pilot could become a model for other cities seeking to boost EV adoption without waiting for large-scale charging networks to catch up.

As Fiat, Ample, and Free2move lead the charge in Spain, the message is clear: the future of electric mobility may be faster, simpler, and more flexible than ever before.

Source: Stellantis

EV

Peugeot Unleashes the e-208 GTi: A New Era of Electric Hot Hatches

This weekend, the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race is not only a celebration of motorsport history but also the stage for a major automotive comeback. Peugeot has chosen the iconic event to officially unveil the all-new e-208 GTi, its first high-performance electric vehicle and the long-awaited return of the legendary GTi badge.

A name once synonymous with hot hatch glory, especially with the classic 205 GTi, the GTi label is back—this time, fully electric. The new model is based on the Peugeot e-208, but heavily reworked by Peugeot Sport, signaling the brand’s renewed commitment to performance, even in the age of electrification.

A Competitive Comeback

The e-208 GTi enters a growing segment of electric hot hatches and takes direct aim at competitors like the Alpine A290 GT Performance. But with 278 horsepower and 300 Nm of torque, the Peugeot edges ahead in performance. Thanks to a front-mounted electric motor and mechanical limited-slip differential, it achieves 0–100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds, outpacing the Alpine’s 6.4-second sprint.

The drivetrain shares components with its Stellantis cousin, the Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce, while sporting engineering enhancements such as hydraulic shock absorbers, a rear stabilizer, and recalibrated steering for sharper handling. Peugeot has also lowered the chassis by 30 mm and widened the track to ensure more confident road-holding at speed.

Design Inspired by a Legend

Visually, the e-208 GTi pays homage to its 1980s predecessor. A completely redesigned front grille, dual spoilers, and new diffuser give the car a more aggressive stance. Unique 18-inch alloy wheels, styled after the 205 GTi’s originals and paired with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, complete the athletic look.

The interior maintains the sporty theme, with bucket seats trimmed in red and black, Alcantara upholstery, and distinctive GTi branding throughout. Even the floor mats feature red piping, a nostalgic nod to the original hot hatch hero.

Racing Pedigree and Technical Refinements

While the e-208 GTi uses the same 54 kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery found in the standard e-208, it benefits from race-derived software tweaks. These changes, influenced by Peugeot’s 9X8 hybrid endurance racer, improve thermal management under high loads and optimize energy recovery—ensuring the GTi’s performance doesn’t come at the cost of efficiency or reliability.

A Signal of Things to Come?

This electrified rebirth of the GTi may just be the beginning. Although Peugeot currently has no concrete plans to launch petrol-powered GTi models, CEO Alain Favey hinted at future possibilities: “We are starting with the e-208 and we are definitely listening to what our customers have to say. We do not exclude the possibility of other versions of the 208 GTi under the GTi badge, but there is absolutely nothing planned in that sense today.”

For now, the e-208 GTi stands as a bold statement of Peugeot’s electric future—combining nostalgic flair with cutting-edge engineering. As it roars into view at Le Mans, the legend of the GTi begins a thrilling new chapter.

Source: Stellantis

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Peugeot Unleashes the e-208 GTi: A New Era of Electric Hot Hatches
News

Stellantis France Offers Extended 8-Year Warranty to Rebuild Customer Trust

In a bid to reinforce customer trust and satisfaction, Stellantis France has announced an extended warranty program for vehicles serviced within its official network. The new offer provides coverage of up to 8 years or 160,000 km, marking a significant commitment to long-term reliability and after-sales service.

The initiative comes as Stellantis seeks to reassure customers following several high-profile issues, including the Takata airbag scandal, recurring reliability concerns with the PureTech petrol engines, and problems with BlueHDi diesel units. By extending the warranty, the automaker aims to strengthen brand loyalty and encourage owners to stick with authorized service centers.

Notably, this offer is exclusive to the French market for now, with no confirmation on whether it will be expanded to other regions. However, industry analysts suggest that similar programs could follow elsewhere if the strategy proves successful.

The extended warranty is free of charge but comes with a key requirement: all maintenance must be performed at Stellantis-authorized service centers. This ensures that vehicles are maintained according to manufacturer standards while also securing long-term business for the brand’s official network.

The coverage applies to both passenger and commercial vehicles, encompassing gasoline, diesel, hybrid, and electric models. Stellantis has also introduced a two-tier warranty system:

Premium brands (Alfa Romeo, DS, Lancia) receive additional benefits, including infotainment system coverage, roadside assistance, and a replacement vehicle during repairs.

Mainstream brands (Peugeot, Citroën, Fiat, Jeep, Opel, etc.) have standard warranty terms, excluding the extra perks offered to premium models.

In its official statement, Stellantis emphasized its “constant quest for excellence and customer satisfaction,” positioning the extended warranty as a testament to its commitment to quality. The move not only incentivizes customers to stay within the brand’s ecosystem but also helps restore confidence after past reliability concerns.

As the automotive industry shifts toward electrification and stricter reliability expectations, Stellantis’s extended warranty could set a new benchmark for after-sales service in France—and possibly beyond.

Source: Stellantis