2013 Fiat 500e at the 2012 L.A. Auto Show
- Competes with: Nissan Leaf, Mitsubishi i, Smart ForTwo Electric Drive
- Looks like: Fiat is entering the electric-car fray
- Drivetrain: 111-hp electric motor and 24-kWh lithium-ion battery pack with one-speed transmission; front-wheel drive
- Hits dealerships: Second quarter of 2013 in California only
Fiat enters the electric-car segment with the launch of the 2013 500e, an all-electric version of the brand’s 500 subcompact hatchback that’s expected to deliver a driving range of more than 80 miles before needing to be recharged, according to the automaker. It’s destined to arrive at California dealerships in the second quarter of 2013. Pricing information hasn’t been released.
The 500e is powered by a 111-horsepower electric drive motor that produces 147 pounds-feet of torque from a standstill. The estimated top speed is 85 mph. A 24-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack is located in the car’s floor; it features a thermal-management system that circulates coolant through the battery to both cool and heat it as necessary to deliver a consistent driving range.
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On 240-volt Level 2 charging, Fiat claims it takes less than four hours to recharge a depleted battery (the car features a 6.6-kilowatt onboard charger). Level 2 charging is available at many public stations, and a system for the home will be sold through Chrysler’s Mopar division. On a 120-volt household outlet, charging takes considerably longer — around 24 hours.
The 500e’s cabin retains the general layout of the gas-powered 500 with a few specific touches. Notably absent is a traditional console gear selector; in its place is a row of push-buttons for selecting Park, Drive and the transmission’s other modes. The regular 500’s analog gauges have been swapped for a 7-inch full-color screen that displays driving range, vehicle speed and battery level, among other information points. The 500e also has a standard removable TomTom navigation system with EV-specific features like range projection, charging-station locator and charging-schedule management. Luggage capacity is down from 9.5 to 7 cubic feet.
