2013 Fiat 500e

Italian automaker Fiat, back in the United States after a 27-year absence (and now owner of resurgent U.S. automaker Chrysler), launched its new 500 minicar for 2012. Now comes this surprisingly likeable 2013 500e electric version. Available only in California at first, it boasts smile-inducing performance from its 111-horsepower electric motor and a best-in-class 87-mile EPA-estimated city/highway combined range from its 24 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. It can be recharged in less than 4 hours with its Level 2 (240 volt) on-board charging module.

Chrysler engineers have done a remarkable job of converting the cute and fun-to-drive 500 to electric power without sacrificing any of those two endearing qualities. If anything, the eight aerodynamic drag-reducing changes (front fascia, front air dam, wheels, mirror caps, rear spoiler, rear fascia, underbody panels and side sills) they made to its body actually enhance its looks while reducing its wind resistance by 13 percent for an added three miles of range. And Chrysler marketers have done an equally impressive job of making the 500e accessible to almost anyone (at least in California, for now).

While it's sticker price is a hefty $32,500 (double gas 500's starting price), buyers who can pony up $999 can apply a federal $7,500 tax rebate and another $2,500 from California, plus a $2,000 Fiat rebate, to get their lease payment down to very affordable $199/month - the same as the base 500.

The all-new battery-electric Fiat 500e brings Italian flavor to the electric vehicle market with a unique combination of iconic 500 design, performance and range. The zero-emission Fiat 500e will premiere on the 'green carpet' of the American Music Awards on Sunday, November 18, and will be showcased to the general public for the first time at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show. The Fiat 500e will be available in the state of California in 2013.

Source - Fiat

All-new 2013 Fiat 500e Recharges the Electric Vehicle (EV) Segment with Italian Style and Performance

• All-new 2013 Fiat 500e electrifies the Cinquecento lineup with even more innovation and style, plus up to an estimated 116 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) city and 100 MPGe highway of pure battery-electric power and zero tailpipe emissions

• Fiat 500e is designed to keep electric vehicle (EV) ownership simple with its familiar no-nonsense design, convenience features and intelligently integrated approach to battery-electric technology

• More than 80 miles of estimated range, with city driving range typically greater than 100 miles

• World-class handling and braking for an EV that adds to the FIAT brand's lineup of vehicles with highly engaging driving dynamics

• Arriving in the second quarter of 2013 to FIAT Studios in California

November 28, 2012 , Los Angeles - Designing city-friendly, environmentally responsible and fun-to-drive small cars is what the FIAT brand and its 'Simply More' belief stand for. The all-new 2013 Fiat 500e electrifies the next chapter of the brand's legacy by embodying the FIAT brand's simple, purposeful and fun-to-drive values – through iconic style, engaging dynamics and an environmentally responsible zero-emissions design.

'The Fiat 500e changes the paradigm in an electric vehicle market that's quickly becoming crowded,' said Tim Kuniskis, Head of FIAT Brand North America. 'The Fiat 500e offers iconic Italian design and a great combination of performance and range, with battery technology that delivers consistent performance across all weather conditions.'

Designed to be a no-compromise electric vehicle (EV), the 2013 Fiat 500e builds on the Cinquecento's successful small-car formula, while adding an all-new battery-electric powertrain that produces 111 horsepower (83 kW), recharges in less than 4 hours with its Level 2 (240 volt) on-board charging module (OBCM) and delivers more than 80 miles of estimated range, with city driving range typically exceeding 100 miles without any tailpipe emissions.

Making sure the all-new 2013 Fiat 500e delivers world-class EV handling and braking performance, engineers designed a new chassis and suspension for the new EV powertrain, while further solidifying the engaging European driving dynamics the FIAT brand and Cinquecento are known for.

The all-new Fiat 500e pushes its iconic Italian design forward with its wind-tunnel-sculpted shape and retro-futuristic dot-matrix styled cues for a cutting-edge look. To achieve a 13 percent improvement in aerodynamics (0.311 coefficient of drag (Cd) compared to the 2013 Fiat 500 Lounge's 0.359 Cd), the Fiat 500e features eight exterior enhancements and more than 140 hours of wind tunnel testing and refinement. The result is a purposeful design that enables this Cinquecento to achieve an additional five miles of range.

Inside, 2013 Fiat 500e fuses retro-futuristic design with unique EV technology elements for an environment comprised of simplicity with innovation. An all-new 7-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) instrument cluster displays full-color picture graphics to illustrate vehicle functions, charge levels and trip summary. In addition, a new TomTom Navigation unit enables the driver to view the vehicle's charge schedule, range, and power-flow gauges, and can even request nearby charging stations with real-time availability. Below its instrument panel bezel, the 2013 Fiat 500e also includes an all-new electronic shifter with easy-to-use push-button transmission mode selection. For added style, the interior environment is available in Nero (black) or exclusive Steam (white), highlighted by Electric Orange to bring even more design character to this Cinquecento.



The all-new 2013 Fiat 500e arrives at FIAT Studios in California during the second quarter of 2013.

Source - Fiat