Electric Fiat 500e to go on sale in 2013

At the recent Los Angeles Auto Show Fiat unveiled an electric version of their popular 500 called the 500e. The 500e is powered by a 111 hp all battery power-train and will offer an estimated range of approximately 130 kms of average driving. Fiat claim that recharging takes less than four hours.

The chassis and suspension have been re-engineered in order to compensate for the additional weight but Fiat claim the 500e will still offer “world-class handling & braking performance”. Re-designed bumpers & low drag wheels are the fruits of over 140 hours of wind tunnel testing and give a 13% aerodynamic improvement over the standard model.

Additional features on the inside include a 7 inch TFT instrument cluster which shows important vehicle details such as charge levels and in place of the gear stick will be a push button transmission selector. The 500e will also have a smartphone app that will enable owners to check real-time vehicle status and manage charging remotely.