Alfa Romeo is exploring the possibility of bringing its first electric vehicle, the Junior crossover, to the United States. This comes after the Italian automaker initially ruled out a US launch for the model.
The Junior, originally unveiled in April as the Milano, was later renamed due to Italian legislation prohibiting the use of city names for products not manufactured domestically. The Junior, set to be built in Poland, is currently slated for European markets only. However, Alfa Romeo's Head of Product, Daniel Tiago Guzzafame, recently stated that the company is considering showing the Junior to US dealers to gauge interest.
If the Junior does make its way to American shores, it might not be available nationwide. Guzzafame indicated that initial sales would likely be focused on California and Florida, two states known for their robust EV markets. The company is also considering states that follow California's stricter emissions regulations.
The Junior, based on Stellantis' eCMP2 architecture, shares its platform with the Jeep Avenger and Fiat 600, both of which are not planned for US release. This architecture is considered ideal for European markets, but its relatively small size, 164 inches in length, might make it a less appealing option for US consumers. For comparison, the Junior is about 14 inches shorter than the Alfa Romeo Tonale, the brand's current entry-level model in the US.
While the Junior will be offered with both EV and mild-hybrid powertrains in Europe, only the Junior Veloce, the most powerful electric variant, is being considered for the US market. The Veloce boasts a single electric motor producing 281 horsepower, enabling a 0-62 mph time of 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 124 mph. Despite the lack of official range figures, Alfa Romeo anticipates the Junior Veloce will achieve a range of 205 miles on the WLTP cycle, utilising a 54-kWh battery pack.
The potential US pricing of the Junior is still uncertain, but its starting price in Italy, including shipping and taxes, is â¬52,000. This translates to an estimated US price of around $42,000.
A key advantage for the Junior in the US market could be its production location in Poland. This would result in a 2.5% tariff, compared to 102.5% for other small premium EVs like the 2025 Mini Cooper electric and 2025 Volvo EX30, both of which are currently manufactured in China. This could make the Junior a more attractive option for US buyers. However, this price advantage might be temporary as other manufacturers adapt their production strategies to avoid the high tariffs. Volvo, for example, has already delayed the US launch of the EX30 until next year while they shift production from China to Belgium.
The introduction of the Junior would mark Alfa Romeo's entry into the US EV market, a significant move for the brand as it seeks to expand its reach and capitalize on the growing demand for electric vehicles. The company's decision to consider a US launch for the Junior is a clear indication of its commitment to this evolving market.
