The upcoming Fiat Grand Panda is poised to be one of Europe’s most affordable electric vehicles upon its launch next year. A standout feature of this model will be its built-in charging cable, a first in the electric vehicle market.
At present, electric vehicle owners grapple with unwieldy charging cables that must be coiled and stowed back into a designated area, usually beneath the trunk floor. This becomes particularly cumbersome when space is limited due to luggage or other items.
Compounding the issue is the likelihood that these cables have picked up dirt from being placed on the ground, which can end up on clothing or inside the car’s interior.
Fiat has taken an innovative approach to this challenge with a retractable coiled cable that elegantly tucks away into the vehicle’s frame when it’s not needed—a feature they describe as “revolutionizing” charging methods.
A recent video from Autocar highlighted how this spring-loaded cable seamlessly extends from a cleverly concealed compartment located in the front grille of the car.
The integrated AC charging cable offers speeds up to 7.4kW. However, higher demands necessitate additional cooling solutions at greater speed thresholds; thus, Fiat has incorporated a separate DC charging port capable of handling speeds up to 100kW for faster power replenishment.
An Intelligent Design
Although concerns about driving range still deter many potential EV buyers, dealing with bulky cables and complex charging protocols adds another layer of apprehension for consumers considering an electric option.
Fiat’s intuitive solution alleviates these concerns by eliminating bulky chargers that could clutter small compartments; it also ensures users won’t accidentally misplace their cables or drag them through dirty surfaces.You Might Also Enjoy
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