Fiat Rolls Out an Electric 500...for California Only?

Fiat SpA is poised to introduce an electric version of its tiny 500 city car in California this summer with an aggressive marketing program aimed at overcoming buyer concerns about electrics.

Price, for example. The 500e will retail for $32,500. But Fiat says state and local incentives could reduce the actual purchase price to $20,500 a bit less than the starting cost of a standard, piston-powered 500. The company also will offer a lease option that, with the help of local incentives, drops monthly payments on the little two-door below $200.

What about those times when the 500e lacks the cargo capacity and range its owner needs? Fiat's answer for the first three years of ownership is the 500e Pass program. It gives its EV customers free access for as many as 12 days per year to such conventionally powered cars as the Chrysler 200 and Dodge Dart. Customers also can upgrade their plan at extra cost to include the use of a pickup truck or minivan.

The Fiat 500e is powered by a 110-hp electric motor that is 10% more powerful than the 1.4-liter gasoline engine in the conventional 500. The car also is 13% more aerodynamic than a standard 500. But it also must tote around a 546-kb lithium-ion battery that increases overall vehicle weight by 22%. Fiat insists the car will offer the same nimble handling of the piston-powered model.

Fiat hasn't said if it will eventually offer the 500e in other American markets.