Fiat Debuts 500 EV in California

Fiat SpA says the electrified version of its 500 city car offers the same ride and handling as the piston-powered version, but with perhaps a bit more zip.

The $32,500 500e will go on sale only in California this summer. Matt Davis, who heads Fiat brand marketing in North America, says state and local incentives could reduce the actual purchase price to $20,500 slightly less than the base price of a standard 500.

Davis says an aggressive marketing plan for the 500e include a lease option that, after combining local incentives, cuts payments to less than $200 for 36 months.

Buyers and leases also have free access to conventionally powered cars such as the Dodge Dart or Chrysler 200 for as many as 12 days per year. The so-called Fiat 500e Pass program, which has no mileage limit, is intended to provide EV owners with more cargo capacity and/or greater range for special trips. Customers also can upgrade the plan to include the use of a pickup truck or minivan.

The 500e is powered by an 83-kWh (110-hp) motor that makes 147 lb-ft of torque. That compares with 101 hp and 98 lb-ft of torque for the 500's standard 1.4-liter gasoline engine.

Fiat says electric 500's lithium-ion battery is good for 88 miles per charge, giving the car greater range than larger electrics such as the Nissan Leaf and Ford Focus EV. The 546-lb battery boosts the 500e's weight to nearly 3,000 lbs, but the car is still lighter than its rivals. The little two-door has a top speed of 85 mph.

The car's regenerative braking system provides all braking necessary down to 8 mph for moderate deceleration. Four-wheel disc brakes finish the stop and handle hard braking at speed.