First pictures emerge of all-electric Fiat supermini
Fiat has released initial pictures of the 500e – an EV adaptation of its popular 500 supermini– prior to its official unveiling at this month’s LA motor show.
Expected to be powered by a 75kW (100bhp) electric motor mated to a lithium ion battery pack, the 500e will go on sale in California in 2013.
The exterior has changed little compared with that of the regular Fiat 500, the main changes being the addition of an aerodynamic chin spoiler and a white front valance. The unique alloy wheels are expected to be shod in low-resistance tyres.
Inside, the 500e sports a white and orange colour scheme, a revised instrument cluster and push buttons in place of the conventional car’s gearlever.
There are indications that Fiat could potentially lose up to $10,000 on each 500e, and is only marketing it to meet California’s zero-emissions vehicle mandate – which requires car manufacturers to total 1.5 million EV sales by 2025 – and to advance its development of electric vehicles.
Daljinder Nagra