2013 Fiat 500 EV
What it is: An electric Fiat 500.
Why it matters: Fiat needs to prove it’s a forward-looking company, even if the 500 EV’s electric technology is essentially developed by Chrysler. Also, Fiat needs to give people another reason to buy a 500 besides styling if it wants to keep the sales curve from plunging to the bottom, Smart Fortwo–like, after the cuteness fades.
Platform: The 500 skeleton, which is shared with the European Fiat Panda and Ford Ka, altered for electric drive and battery storage.
Powertrain: A 100-hp electric motor powered by lithium-ion batteries.
Competition: Regular Fiat 500, Nissan Leaf
What might go wrong: Customers will have to deal with range anxiety. And if governments stop supporting EVs with attractive subsidies, pure electrics might not stand a chance.
Estimated arrival and price: Chrysler has said 2012, but we figure 2013. Pricing should mirror the Leaf’s, which starts at $33,630 before incentives.
What it is: An electric Fiat 500.
Why it matters: Fiat needs to prove it’s a forward-looking company, even if the 500 EV’s electric technology is essentially developed by Chrysler. Also, Fiat needs to give people another reason to buy a 500 besides styling if it wants to keep the sales curve from plunging to the bottom, Smart Fortwo–like, after the cuteness fades.
Platform: The 500 skeleton, which is shared with the European Fiat Panda and Ford Ka, altered for electric drive and battery storage.
Powertrain: A 100-hp electric motor powered by lithium-ion batteries.
Competition: Regular Fiat 500, Nissan Leaf
What might go wrong: Customers will have to deal with range anxiety. And if governments stop supporting EVs with attractive subsidies, pure electrics might not stand a chance.
Estimated arrival and price: Chrysler has said 2012, but we figure 2013. Pricing should mirror the Leaf’s, which starts at $33,630 before incentives.
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