New 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale EV previewed

Alfa Romeo has released its first teaser of what’s believed to be the all-electric 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale.

At first glance, the teaser image, which is captioned “a new era begins”, may have pointed to Alfa Romeo’s all-new entry-level SUV replacement for the MiTo that’s rumoured to be called the Brennero or Visconti.

However, a closer look reveals the tail-light graphic is an exact match for the current Alfa Romeo Tonale, suggesting we’re looking at a battery-electric version.

Currently, the Audi Q3 and BMW X1-rivalling Tonale is available with diesel, petrol mild-hybrid and full plug-in hybrid powertrains.

The compact Alfa SUV is based on a modified version of the Jeep Compass’ FCA Small Wide platform that was never designed for pure-electric powertrain, although a chief engineer has said it’s feasible.

Another simpler, but more expensive option for Alfa’s first electric car would be to migrate to parent Stellantis’ STLA Medium platform that currently sits beneath the latest-gen Peugeot e-3008.

With that move, the Tonale EV could employ the e-3008’s three different powertrain options: a front-mounted single-motor variant (157kW/343Nm) that comes with a 73kWh battery and a 525km range; a long-range version with a more powerful 170kW motor and bigger 98kWh battery for an impressive 700km range; and a dual-motor variant that offers all-wheel drive, pumps out 240kW/509Nm and uses the 73kWh battery for a 525km range.

The AWD version offers a 0-100km/h dash of around 6.4 seconds, which could earn a Tonale version a Veloce badge; Alfa would have to deliver more output for a flagship Quadrifoglio.

The move to an entirely different platform for the EV brand makes some sense when you remember Alfa Romeo has pledged to become an EV-only brand from 2027, when it drops the combustion-powered Giulia and Stelvio models.

Earlier this year, Alfa Romeo was said to be the victim of a leak when pictures of the 2024 Alfa Romeo Visconti was posted online.

That car is said to have been developed alongside the Peugeot e-2008, Fiat 600e and the Jeep Avenger.

Based on the STLA Small architecture, the Visconti should be offered both as an EV and with combustion engines as the platform can support either.

It’s interesting to note the leaked pictures also featured different tail-lights to the most recent teaser. It’s thought the smallest Alfa SUV is due to be introduced in the first half of 2024.

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