FYI: Alfa Romeo is reconsidering its decision to bring the EV Junior crossover to the U.S., initially planned for only European markets. This potential shift reflects the brand’s adaptive strategy and growing interest in the American EV landscape.
### Alfa Romeo Junior: A Potential U.S. Debut?
Alfa Romeo’s electric crossover, the Junior, previously believed to be exclusive to Europe, might soon hit American roads. Initially introduced as the Milano, a quick name change was necessitated due to an Italian law that prohibits naming products after Italian cities if they are manufactured abroad—in this case, in Poland.
### A Change in Plans
Originally, Alfa Romeo had no plans to release the Junior in the U.S. market. However, head of product Daniel Tiago Guzzafame disclosed to Automotive News Europe that the automaker is now considering showcasing the Junior to U.S. dealers to gauge interest. Alfa Romeo is focusing on states like California and Florida, as well as others that follow California’s stringent emissions regulations. Consequently, the Junior may not be available nationwide.
### Powertrain Options and Performance
In Europe, the Junior will be available with both mild-hybrid and all-electric powertrains. The model potentially coming to the United States is the Junior Veloce, a high-performance all-electric variant. This 281-horsepower model can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 5.9 seconds and offers a top speed exceeding 124 mph. The Veloce is equipped with a 54-kWh battery pack, offering an estimated WLTP range of 205 miles—though the real-world EPA range is likely to be slightly less generous.
### Design and Architecture
Sharing Stellantis’ eCMP2 platform with the Jeep Avenger and Fiat 600, the compact Junior stands 164 inches long, making it about 14 inches shorter than the Alfa Romeo Tonale, the smallest model currently available in the U.S. This compact size might have contributed to the initial decision to keep the Junior out of American markets.
### Potential Pricing and Market Comparison
In Italy, the Junior Veloce is priced at 52,000 euros, inclusive of shipping and a 22% sales tax. This price roughly translates to $42,000 in U.S. dollars. It’s important to note that this model could benefit from lower tariffs compared to competitors like the electric 2025 Mini Cooper and Volvo EX30, both of which are produced in China and thus face a hefty 102.5% tariff.
### Alfa Romeo’s EV Future
Even if the Junior doesn’t make its way to the U.S., Alfa Romeo’s electric ambitions are clear. The automaker plans to offer an electric variant of each vehicle it launches this decade. The lineup will include a redesigned Stelvio in 2025, a revamped Giulia in 2026, and a midsize SUV expected to debut in 2027.
### Conclusion
Alfa Romeo’s potential strategy reversal in bringing the Junior EV to the U.S. underscores the brand’s adaptability and responsiveness to market demands. Whether the Junior lands stateside or not, Alfa Romeo’s commitment to electric mobility remains robust, with several new EVs slated for the near future.
For more insights and updates, reach out to us at tips@automotive.fyi, or follow us on Twitter @automotivefyi.
—
Steven Hale, Editor of Automotive.fyi
