It’s been virtually 4 years because the all-electric Fiat 500e graced the Italian model’s showrooms, nevertheless it’ll quickly be again and higher than ever.
At present on the LA Auto Present, Stellantis, the dad or mum firm of Fiat, introduced that the Fiat 500e, comprehensively redesigned in 2020, will likely be returning to the North American market together with a few bespoke variations to welcome the fashionable metropolis automotive again to U.S. streets by early 2024.
Fiat CEO and International Stellantis CMO Olivier Francois introduced that together with the usual variations, which, in the event that they carry the identical underpinnings as these at present on sale in Europe, will stand up to 198 miles of vary from a 42 kWh battery pack, the corporate is providing three bespoke variations designed by Armani, Kartell, and Bulgari.
It’s extremely probably that the 500e that lands on our shores will likely be largely the identical because the one which’s at present on sale in Europe. An all-new design in 2020, the present 500e borrows some fashion cues from the previous one (and the gas-powered Nineteen Fifties unique), nevertheless it’s very completely different in philosophy and design from the previous 500e.
The earlier Fiat 500e was a automotive Fiat appeared to construct and promote solely grudgingly. Launched to the U.S. on the 2012 L.A. Auto Present and inbuilt comparatively small numbers in Mexico, it was largely a compliance automotive for the model to satisfy EV gross sales necessities in states like California. It was bought solely there and in Oregon, and shoehorned in a 30-kWh battery pack good for as much as 112 miles of vary, in line with the EPA.
In 2019, Fiat introduced that it was discontinuing the road of subcompact Fiat 500s within the U.S., however sellers continued to promote the fashionable little autos by way of 2020.
This time round, issues are very completely different. The new Fiat 500e was designed as an electrical automotive from the beginning, and Fiat moved manufacturing to Italy to construct it in a lot bigger portions than the previous one. It additionally made it a little bit larger and extra sensible, gaining 2.4 inches in width and a pair of.4 inches in size. The European model will get each adaptive cruise management and lane-centering options too.
Not like the earlier 500e, this one comes as both a hardtop hatchback or a convertible, the previous with a small rear-hinged door to assist use the again seat.
Patrons in Europe can select from two completely different battery packs, a 42-kWh model and a 24-kWh battery pack. It’s secure to guess that the bigger pack would be the just one obtainable within the states because the lowered vary of the smaller pack (round 100-120 miles) wouldn’t go well with most American commuters who may pony up the money for these autos.
Fiat has not introduced pricing for the U.S. model of the Fiat 500e, however the present did function some critically trendy previews.
Armani, Kartell and Bulgari
Fiat’s finest vehicles have at all times been design-forward, trendy small vehicles and the brand new 500e is not any exception. It retains the whereas cute retro look and small metropolis automotive proportions however updates them in new methods, and with new design companions.
When the earlier 500 arrived within the U.S. in 2011, the corporate paired with the Italian model Gucci to design a crimson and inexperienced striped Fiat 500 full with Gucci journey equipment. For its launch of the brand new 500e right here within the U.S., the corporate has partnered with three well-known Italian manufacturers as soon as once more: Armani, Kartell and Bulgari.
Armani, identified for its impeccably tailor-made fits and clothes, designed a one-off model of the Fiat 500e, full with distinctive physique panels that includes a laser-etched chevron sample that makes it appear to be textile, putting bronze-colored wheels within the type of the designer’s initials (GA), and a bronze plaque on the rear of the automobile with Georgio Armani in script. It additionally will get the GA monogram on the within, the place it graces the headrests of the wool and “zero-impact” leather-based seats.
Bulgari, identified for its iconic jewellery, additionally created a one-off model of the Fiat 500e, known as the Mai Troppo (translated: “By no means too A lot”), and contains gold mud infused within the paint, Bulgari star-inspired gold and black two-tone wheels, gold-plated nameplates across the automobile, heritage Bulgari silk scarves on the within, and a 500 emblem on the steering wheel that features a detachable brooch with three giant treasured stones of amethyst, topaz, and citrine. On the surface, beneath the rear window, sits a diamond-pavé B.500 emblem.
Whereas Kartell could also be much less well-known than Bulgari, Gucci or Armani, the corporate makes excessive design residence items chairs, tables, lights, and vases from plastics. One among their most iconic and recognizable designs is the Kabuki lamp with a lace-like shade. That theme permeates the Kartell-designed Fiat 500e that made its debut at present. The wheels, facet view mirrors, and dashboard all get the lacelike design. The outside is an ultramarine blue, known as Yves Klein blue that’s iconic of the Kartell model.
These three autos will likely be auctioned off for charity, with proceeds going to “a very good trigger for the planet,” in line with Stellantis PR.
The return of the Fiat 500e is all a part of the broader Stellantis electrification plan, nevertheless it additionally has which means for Fiat dealerships.
In 2021 Stellantis, the dad or mum firm of Fiat introduced that it plans to go totally electrical by 2030, with greater than 40% of that electrified portfolio touchdown within the U.S. Fiat just lately introduced that it’s going to take away all of its non-electrified autos from the UK this 12 months, and its using cryptocurrency rewards for environment friendly EV driving within the UK, too.
The Fiat 500e has been extraordinarily effectively obtained in Europe, and for a lot of months over the past two years, it’s been the EU’s best-selling EV that wasn’t a Tesla Mannequin 3 or Mannequin Y, although Volkswagen’s ID.4 seems to be catching up. It’s additionally received a gaggle of of awards over the past couple of years, together with accolades from U.Ok. publications like What Automobile? and Auto Specific.
Fiat’s U.S. sellers, which have had solely the 500x crossover to promote for the previous couple of years, may also welcome what could also be a well-liked entry-level EV. We’ll have to attend till nearer to the launch date in 2024 to search out out the U.S.-specific particulars and pricing of the brand new Fiat 500e, however having seen it in particular person, it’s made a very good first impression.
