Fiat 500 Gets an EV Version, the "500e"

Fiat 500e | The Electric Fiat 500

The Electric Fiat 500e Arrives

At the Los Angeles Auto Show, Fiat unveiled the electric version of the 500, the "500e." This is not merely the existing 500 fitted with a battery and motor; rather, it's a vehicle developed with genuine intent to embody the 500's spirit as an EV.

Text by HORIGUCHI Yoshihiro (OPENERS)

Retaining the 500's Essence

An electric version of the 500 (Cinquecento), now an icon of the Fiat brand, has arrived. This is not a superficial adaptation of the existing 500 with a battery and motor; it is a serious electric vehicle developed with a dedicated chassis. The body design, refined through repeated wind tunnel tests, features eight modifications including the mirror shape and specially designed 15-inch wheels, resulting in a Cd value of 0.311 – a 13 percent improvement in aerodynamic performance compared to the standard 500.

In its development, the chassis, suspension, and electric power steering have been specially tuned to replicate the handling and braking characteristics for which the 500 is renowned. Furthermore, measures have been taken to provide the same driving pleasure as an internal combustion engine, such as replicating the creep function typically absent in EVs and ensuring drivers do not experience a sense of coasting even in the energy-saving coasting mode.

The lithium-ion battery is housed beneath the floor, altering the front-to-rear weight distribution from the 500's 64:36 to 57:43. This 24 kWh battery powers a drive motor that delivers a maximum output of 111 ps (83 kW) and a peak torque of 200 Nm, while also supplying power to the vehicle's electronic systems. The driving range is approximately 80 miles (128 km) or more, extending to 100 miles (160 km) in urban driving.

Inside, the instrument cluster behind the steering wheel is a 7-inch TFT LCD, displaying not only the speedometer but also EV-specific power meters, battery level, and estimated driving range. Additionally, it offers features like real-time searching for nearby charging stations in conjunction with the navigation system.

Concurrently, a companion app compatible with iPhone and Android, designed to mimic the 500e's instrument panel, is also available. This app allows for remote checking of battery levels, setting scheduled charging, and controlling the climate system.

Safety features are also comprehensive, including seven airbags, such as multi-stage airbags for the front seats, along with Electronic Stability Control (ESC), ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EDB), and Traction Control (TCS).

The 500e is scheduled for delivery in the second quarter of next year (2013), which means around springtime.

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