Fiat New 500

The Fiat New 500 (project 332), marketed as the All-Electric Fiat 500 and the New Fiat 500,[5][6] is a battery-electric car (BEV) by Italian manufacturer Fiat under the FCA Italy name. It was unveiled on 4 March 2020 in Milan;[7] it was scheduled to be launched at the Geneva Motor Show but that event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The New 500 city car is manufactured at the Mirafiori plant in Turin and is sold alongside the conventionally-powered Fiat 500 (2007), which will continue to be manufactured in Tychy, Poland. That 2007 car was used as the basis of a previous BEV Fiat 500e (2013), which was sold only in the United States and had a much smaller range than the New 500.

This article is about the all-electric 500 introduced in 2020. For the 500 introduced in 2007, including its battery converted versions, see Fiat 500 (2007). For the original 500 introduced in 1957, see Fiat 500.
"Fiat 500 EV" redirects here. For the 2013 electric car version based off of the 500 of 2007, see Fiat 500e (2013).

Fiat New 500
Overview
ManufacturerFiat
Also calledFiat Nuova 500
All-Electric Fiat 500
Fiat 500 BEV[1]
Fiat 500e
Fiat 500 EV
Fiat New 500
New Fiat 500
ProductionFebruary 2020 – present
Model years2024 (to commence)
AssemblyItaly: Mirafiori, Turin[2]
DesignerLorenzo Battisti
Dario Pellegrino[3]
Body and chassis
ClassCity car (A)
Body style
Powertrain
Electric motorGKN Automotive G400 IPMS interior permanent-magnet synchronous motor
Power output
  • 70 kW (95 PS; 94 hp) (24 kWh battery)
  • 87 kW (118 PS; 117 hp) (42 kWh battery)[4]
  • 114 kW (155 PS; 153 hp) (Abarth)
Battery
Electric range
  • 185 km (115 mi) WLTP (24 kWh)
  • 320 km (199 mi) WLTP (42 kWh)
Plug-in chargingDC:
50 kW (24 kWh battery)
85 kW (42 kWh battery)
400 V 3-Phase AC: 11 kW
230 V AC: 6.6 kW
120 V AC: 3.3 kW
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,322 mm (91.4 in)
Length3,632 mm (143.0 in)
Width1,683 mm (66.3 in)
Height1,527 mm (60.1 in)
Kerb weight1,255–1,405 kg (2,767–3,097 lb)
Chronology
PredecessorFiat 500e (2013)

The New 500 has a 320 km (199 mi) range on the European WLTP combined test, and achieves 400 km (249 mi) on that test's urban cycle, which is generally favourable toward electric vehicles (EVs). The car is powered by an 87 kW (116 hp) electric motor, fed by a 42 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Fiat 500e is the name of the battery EV made by Fiat from 2013 to 2019. It was an EV conversion of the internal combustion 500 of 2007, and was sold in the U.S. states of California and Oregon as a compliance car to earn clean energy credits (the Renewable Energy Certificate) for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). The New 500 produced since 2020 is the dedicated BEV model sold in Europe, and is often referred to colloquially as the 500e, among other names.

Overview

Sergio Marchionne called for FCA to pivot towards electric and hybrid automobiles starting in 2018, including an all-new electric 500 by 2020.[8] Previously, FCA had assembled the 500e, a BEV derived from the 2007 Fiat 500 but limited to the United States market only, at its Toluca Car Assembly plant in Mexico from December 2012 to June 2019.[9][10] FCA showed the Fiat Centoventi concept at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2019; the Centoventi concept previewed what automotive industry believed to be a future BEV version of the Fiat Panda, which in turn was expected to form the basis for the next electric Fiat 500. The concept Centoventi showcased a modular battery concept, allowing an extended range using dealer-installed battery packs.[11]

In July 2019, FCA announced plans to invest €700 million in its Mirafiori plant to build a new production line devoted to its first BEV marketed in Europe, tentatively named the 500 BEV, with production to start in the second quarter of 2020. The new line was planned to have an annual production capacity of 80,000 500 BEVs.[12] FCA invested another €50 million to build a battery production line at Mirafiori in October 2019.[13] Camouflaged prototypes of the 500 BEV were photographed while undergoing tests in December 2019.[14]

The public unveiling amid the COVID-19 pandemic on 4 March 2020, previously scheduled for Geneva, was led by FCA Chief Marketing Officer Olivier François, who said they held the event in Milan "to show that FCA stands close to Milan and to Italy."[15] The New 500 sits on a totally new platform and is slightly bigger than its 2007 predecessor. Compared to the earlier 500, the New 500 is 6 cm (2.4 in) longer, 6 cm (2.4 in) wider, and 4 cm (1.6 in) taller, with a 2 cm (0.79 in) increase in wheelbase.[16] The older 500 is equipped with an internal-combustion engine or a mild hybrid drivetrain and will remain on sale.[17]

Models

The New 500 was initially available only as a two-door cabriolet four-seater in the La Prima trimline, with production limited to 500 examples per country.[16] Before any local incentives, the La Prima launch editions have a retail price of €37,900 in Italy.[15] La Prima was available in one of three colours: Mineral Grey, Ocean Green, and Celestial Blue, designed to be reminiscent of the earth, sea, and sky, respectively; the soft top was finished with an exclusive monogram logo.[18]

A three-door hatchback followed in June 2020, starting at £26,995,[19] and Fiat introduced a four-doored hatchback designated 3+1 in October of that year, with a small rear-hinged door on the passenger's side to enhance access to the rear seat, with availability limited to left-hand-drive cars. At that time in the UK, the entry-level three-door was offered as the Action model with a smaller 24 kW-hr battery at £22,995,[20] the more expensive Passion and Icon models were offered at £26,495 and £27,995, respectively, and were equipped with a 42 kW-hr battery. The top of the line remained La Prima at £30,495.[21]

In Autumn 2021, Fiat announced a new Product Red branded edition, fitted with the 42kWh battery and available in hatchback and convertible styles.[22][23] The Passion trim level, which included different wheel designs, a seven-inch touchscreen media system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital radio, climate control, folding rear seats, and cruise control,[24] was withdrawn.[25]

  • Rear view of the New 500
    Rear view of the New 500
  • Fiat 500e 3+1 4-door
    Fiat 500e 3+1 4-door
  • Fiat 500e Trepiuno
  • Fiat 500e La Prima

Limited production

Three additional one-off models styled by well-known designers were announced with the launch of the New 500; proceeds from the auctions of the 500 Giorgio Armani, B.500 "MAI TROPPO" ("Never Too Much") by Bvlgari, and the 500 Kartell will benefit environmental organizations set up by Leonardo DiCaprio.[26] The Kartell and Bvlgari models were created through a partnership between FCA and Altagamma.[27] These were not the first Fiat-fashion limited editions; previously, Frida Giannini of Gucci had collaborated with Fiat Centro Stile to produce a special edition of the preceding Fiat 500 (2007 model), released in 2011.[28]

Lasers were used to engrave the steel body panels on the Armani, which is finished in a grey-green matte silk effect that includes anti-pollution and anti-bacterial technologies.[29] The seats are finished in a similar colour leather from certified sources.[27] After the car was unveiled in front of Duomo Cathedral amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy, it was moved throughout Milan to send a message of positivity to the city and Italy.[29][30] The Kartell is finished in a monochrome Kartell blue colour, extending to metal, plastic, and rubber exterior surfaces. The wheels, front grille, side mirror housings, and dashboard are covered in a plastic texture derived from the brand's Kabuki lamp,[31] and the seats are upholstered with 100% recycled polypropylene.[27]

An Imperial Saffron orange paint finish is applied to the exterior of the B.500 from Bvlgari, using gold dust reclaimed from the firm's manufacture of jewelry;[32] inside, recycled silk scarves from the marque cover the dashboard and are used to trim the leather seats. The steering wheel features a removable brooch set with amethyst, topaz, and citrine stones.[27] In addition, a special hatbox and jewelry case were made for the B.500; the gold key to the automobile, set with an ancient coin, may be worn as jewelry as well.[28]

Abarth New 500e
The Abarth New 500e at the 2023 Brussels Motor Show

The Abarth New 500e Scorpionissima is a performance variant that will be released in 2023.[33][34] It made its official debut on 22 November 2022,[35] featuring unique scorpion-badged alloy wheels.[36] Initially, it will be released in a Scorpionissima edition limited to 1,949 examples.[37] Scorpionissima models will be available in a choice of Acid Green or Poison Blue colours, bearing unique side graphics and wheels.[38]

It has a single electric traction motor that produces 114 kW (153 hp) and 235 N⋅m (173 lbf⋅ft), an increase of 26.7 kW (35.8 hp) and 15 N⋅m (11 lbf⋅ft) over the standard motor,[39] and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7 seconds.[40] Three driving modes will be offered: Turismo, Scorpion Street, and Scorpion Track; output power and torque are limited to 100 kW (130 hp) and 220 N⋅m (160 lbf⋅ft) in Turismo.[39] Scorpion Street maximizes regenerative braking, simulating the engine braking effect of a conventional car equipped with a manual transmission,[38] while Scorpion Track sacrifices range for performance.[39] In manufacturer testing at Balocco, the Abarth 500e is able to complete laps 1 second quicker than the Abarth 695.[39]

Charging the Abarth New 500e is possible at rates up to 85 kW, similar to the regular New 500 equipped with the larger 42 kWh battery.[39]

North America

Fiat is expected to unveil the North American specification New 500 at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show, before going on sale in the first quarter of 2024 as a 2024 model year.[41] At the 2022 Los Angeles Auto Show held in November, Fiat brought three 500-based concepts designed by Armani, Kartell, and Bvlgari.[42]

Fiat 600
Main article: Fiat 600 (crossover)

Expected to be unveiled on July 4, 2023, the Fiat 600 will be a 5-door crossover SUV with a design inspired by the New 500.[43]

Sales and production

Production began in February 2020, shortly after FCA completed the new production line at Mirafiori.[44] Production was paused starting on 13 March 2020 during the nationwide lockdown in Italy due to the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infections.[45]

The New 500 competes with electric city cars like the BMW i3, Honda e, Mini Electric (marketed as the Mini Cooper SE in all markets outside the UK), Peugeot e-208, Renault Zoe, Smart Forfour, and the Volkswagen Group New Small Family platforms (SEAT Mii / Škoda Citigo / Volkswagen e-Up). As of 2020, sales were limited to Europe only; other markets, such as Brazil and Israel, followed starting in 2021.[46] Exports to the U.S. could follow if there is sufficient demand.[47] The New 500 is expected to go on sale in North America by the first quarter of 2024.[41]

Equipment
Interior of the New 500 showing the car's dashboard and the UConnect 5 infotainment system

The New 500 is the first city car with level 2 autonomous driving, and the first FCA car equipped with the new UConnect 5 infotainment system.[26] The ADAS systems include Autonomous Emergency Brake with pedestrian and cyclist detection; Intelligent Speed Assistant; Lane Control; Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (iACC) and Lane Centering; and Emergency Call.[48]

The Android-based UConnect 5 infotainment system is displayed on a 10.25-inch (26 cm) touchscreen. It has Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity,[49] automatic call to the emergency services, and can also be used to monitor the car or control certain functions remotely using a smartphone app.[50][51]

Under European Union law, all EVs must produce some form of noise at low speeds to make pedestrians aware of their presence. Most cars use a spaceship-like tone; the New 500 will instead play the score from Amarcord, composed by Nino Rota, when cruising below 20 kilometres per hour (12 mph).[26] According to Fiat, alternative sounds will be downloadable in the future.[52]

Performance
The car's underhood equipment

The New 500 is offered with a choice of two motor and battery combinations. One is fitted to the entry level Action trim in the UK, equipped with a 94 bhp (70 kW) motor and a 24 kWh battery (21.2 kWh usable) that charges at up to 50 kW. The second are equipped in the higher level Passion, Icon, Red, and La Prima trims, with a 87 kW (117 hp) motor, 42 kWh battery (37.3 kWh usable), and 85 kW charger.[21] With the larger battery and more powerful motor, the car is limited to 93 mph (150 km/h); these models can accelerate from 0–50 km/h (31 mph) in 3.1 seconds and 0–100 km/h (62 mph) in 9.0s.[4][16] The smaller battery reduces power and also weight, by 100 kg (220 lb), resulting in an acceleration of 0–100 km/h (62 mph) in 9.5s. Both battery models can accelerate to 0–50 km/h (31 mph) in 3.1 seconds; the top speed is limited to 84 mph (135 km/h).[53]

The New 500 has three driving modes branded Normal, Range, and Sherpa. Fiat's press release describes the features of Sherpa mode thusly: "Just like a Himalayan Sherpa, who is in charge of the whole expedition and guides it to the destination, this driving mode adjusts various parameters: maximum speed, limited to 80 km/h (50 mph); accelerator response, in order to reduce energy consumption; and deactivation of the climate control system and heated seats."[26] Range mode enables one-pedal driving, with strong regenerative braking as the throttle pedal is lifted.[26]

Charging
La Prima car model at a charging station in Böblingen

The New 500 models with a 42 kWh battery can accommodate DC fast charging at up to 85 kW, while the base model with the smaller 24 kWh battery is limited to 50 kW;[54] all have an on-board AC charger that accommodates up to 11 kW. At 85 kW, it takes 5 minutes to add enough charge to travel 50 kilometres (31 mi).[55] The fast charger can charge the 42 kWh battery from 0 to 80% in just 35 minutes at 85 kW,[55] or from 10 to 80% in 30 minutes for the smaller 24 kWh battery.[54] A CCS Combo Type 2 inlet located on the rear right fender of the car accommodates both AC and DC charging.[55][56]

The Launch Edition also includes the easyWallbox, a home charging station developed by Engie for FCA that can be connected to a normal home outlet to supply power at 2.3 kW; the easyWallbox can be upgraded to supply up to 7.4 kW.[26]

Safety

Euro NCAP

The 500e in its standard European configuration received 4 stars from Euro NCAP in 2021.[57]

References
  1. "FCA's Mirafiori Plant Turns 80. Work Begins On New Assembly Line for the Fiat 500 Electric". Stellantis. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
  2. Attwood, James (4 March 2020). "New Fiat 500e: technical details of electric city car leaked". Autocar. Retrieved 4 March 2020.
  3. "Fiat 500, A New Era". Auto Design Magazine. 9 July 2020. Retrieved 31 August 2022.
  4. Razagui, Haitham (5 March 2020). "New Fiat 500 to be electric-only". GoAuto. Retrieved 5 March 2020.
  5. "New Fiat 500 | Official Fiat Press Conference ft. Olivier Francois". Fiat. 4 March 2020. Retrieved 18 April 2023 – via YouTube.
  6. "All-Electric Fiat 500". Fiat UK. 2020. Retrieved 21 March 2023.
  7. Malan, Andrea (4 March 2020). "Fiat unveils electric 500 in Milan despite virus fears". Automotive News Europe. Retrieved 4 March 2020.
  8. Manthey, Nora (2 June 2018). "FCA calls for electric models across all brands". Electrive. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  9. 2012 Sustainability Report (PDF) (Report). Fiat S.p.A. March 2013. p. 99. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  10. Noble, Breana (3 September 2019). "Fiat to pull the 500 from North America market". The Detroit News. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  11. Hempel, Carrie (6 March 2019). "Fiat concept Centoventi offers outlook on electric Panda". Electrive. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  12. Piovaccari, Giulio (11 July 2019). "FCA plans electric Fiat 500 for 2020 as moves on from Renault". Reuters. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  13. Piovaccari, Giulio (22 October 2019). Merriman, Jane (ed.). "Fiat Chrysler to build new car battery hub in Turin". Reuters. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  14. Berman, Bradley (21 January 2020). "The return of the Fiat 500e, and its outsized meaning for EVs". Electrek. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  15. Piovaccari, Giulio (4 March 2020). "Fiat Chrysler defies virus fears to showcase electric 500 in Milan". Reuters. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  16. Tisshaw, Mark (4 March 2020). "Fiat 500 reinvented as all-electric city car for 2020". Autocar. Retrieved 8 March 2020.
  17. Petrány, Máté (9 March 2020). "New Fiat 500 goes all-electric". Hagerty. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  18. "The New 500 is coming: it's time to take action to create a better future" (Press release). Fiat of Iceland. 24 September 2020. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  19. Pattni, Vijay (8 June 2020). "The Fiat 500 is now a £27k electric hatchback". BBC TopGear. Retrieved 5 August 2021.
  20. Dobie, Stephen (22 October 2020). "Check out Fiat's new weirdly doored 500 3+1". BBC TopGear. Retrieved 5 August 2021.
  21. "Car Review: Fiat 500 | Buying". BBC TopGear. Retrieved 5 August 2021.
  22. Corsani, Lorenzo (23 September 2021). "Fiat (500)RED − Debutta la serie speciale 'in rosso'". Quattroruote.it (in Italian). Retrieved 26 April 2023.
  23. "500 elettrica, arriva la versione speciale RED". HDmotori.it (in Italian). 23 September 2021. Retrieved 26 April 2023.
  24. "Fiat 500 and 500C Electric review (2020−present): models and trim levels". BuyaCar. 1 February 2022. Retrieved 26 April 2023.
  25. Brodie, James (25 April 2022). "Fiat 500 Passion: long-term test review". Auto Express. Retrieved 26 April 2023.
  26. "The New 500 is coming: it's time to take action to create a better future" (Press release). FCA EMEA. Retrieved 5 March 2020.
  27. "Fiat 500 EV: The Bvlgari, Kartell and Armani one off". Auto & Design. 5 March 2020. Retrieved 12 April 2020.
  28. Chin, Pohnee (6 March 2020). "After Gucci, Fiat spreads the sparkle with the new B.500 By Bvlgari 'Mai Troppo'". Prestige. Retrieved 12 April 2020.
  29. "Giorgio Armani designs a one-off electric Fiat 500 model" (Press release). Armani Corporate. March 2020. Retrieved 12 April 2020.
  30. Conde, Sara (4 March 2020). "Giorgio Armani Designs A One-Off Electric Fiat 500 Model". FashionWindows. Retrieved 16 April 2023.
  31. "Kartell interprets the all-new Fiat 500 full electric". Urdesign. 5 March 2020. Retrieved 12 April 2020.
  32. "New B.500 by Bvlgari – 'MAI TROPPO'". Bvlgari. March 2020. Retrieved 12 April 2020.
  33. Padeanu, Adrian (3 November 2022). "2023 Abarth 500 EV Spied Testing With Camouflaged Wheels". Motor1.com. Retrieved 16 April 2023.
  34. Pappas, Thanos (3 November 2022). "Abarth Version Of The Fiat 500 EV Spied Trying To Hide Its Redesigned Bodykit". Carscoops. Retrieved 16 April 2023.
  35. Padeanu, Adrian (8 November 2022). "2023 Abarth 500 Electric To Make Official Debut On November 22". Motor1.com. Retrieved 16 April 2023.
  36. Pappas, Thanos (9 November 2022). "Abarth New 500 EV Hot Hatch Teased Prior To November 22 Debut". Carscoops. Retrieved 16 April 2023.
  37. "New Abarth 500e Scorpionissima". Abarth. 2022. Retrieved 30 November 2022.
  38. Banner, Justin (23 November 2022). "2023 Fiat 500e Abarth First Look: The Scorpion King Is Back as an EV". Motor Trend. Retrieved 30 November 2022.
  39. Pappas, Thanos (22 November 2022). "Abarth 500e Revealed: New Electric Hot Hatch Offers 153 HP, 0-62 In 7 Sec". Carscoops. Retrieved 16 April 2023.
  40. Padeanu, Adrian (22 November 2022). "2023 Abarth 500e Electric Hot Hatch Debuts With 155 HP, Fake Gas Engine Noise". Motor1.com. Retrieved 16 April 2023.
  41. Padeanu, Adrian (17 November 2022). "2024 Fiat 500e Announced For The United States, Three One-Offs Revealed". Motor1.com. Retrieved 16 April 2023.
  42. Pappas, Thanos (17 November 2022). "Fiat To Launch Electric 500e In America In 2024, Brings 3 One-Off Specials To LA". Carscoops.
  43. "Fiat 600 (2023). Premières infos et photos avant la révélation le 4 juillet". www.largus.fr. 5 May 2023.
  44. Randall, Chris (18 February 2020). "Fiat Chrysler starts Fiat 500 BEV pre-series production". Electrive. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  45. Piovaccari, Giulio (2 April 2020). Potter, Mark (ed.). "Fiat Chrysler to start three Italian sites immediately after lockdown ends: union". Reuters. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  46. "Stellantis, Nuova 500e è senza confini: dopo Israele sbarca in Brasile. Fiat è leader di mercato con 22% di quota". Il Messaggero (in Italian). 5 August 2023. Retrieved 26 April 2023.
  47. Ramey, Jay (9 March 2020). "The Fiat 500 Is Back, and It's All-Electric This Time Around". Autoweek. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  48. Mihalascu, Dan (22 October 2020). "2021 Fiat 500 3+1 Is The Electric Mini's Most Practical Variant With A Third Suicide Door". Carscoops.
  49. O'Kane, Sean (5 March 2020). "The US is too hooked on trucks and SUVs for Fiat's new 500 EV". The Verge. Retrieved 16 April 2023.
  50. Howe, James (4 March 2020). "New Fiat 500 electric car: prices, spec and on-sale date". Driving Electric. Retrieved 8 March 2020.
  51. Fung, Derek (4 February 2020). "Fiat Chrysler's Google-based Uconnect 5 infotainment: Over-the-air updates, wireless Android/Apple connection". Car Advice. Retrieved 12 April 2020.
  52. Kierstein, Alex (5 March 2020). "Before the New Fiat 500 Runs You Over, You'll Hear Old Italian Music". Motor Trend. Retrieved 12 April 2020.
  53. "Car Review: Fiat 500 | Driving". BBC TopGear. Retrieved 5 August 2021.
  54. Ingram, Alex (24 August 2021). "New Fiat 500 Action 2021 review". AutoExpress. Retrieved 28 March 2023.
  55. Crooks, Alastair (20 May 2021). "New Fiat 500 2021 review". AutoExpress. Retrieved 28 March 2023.
  56. Kane, Mark (5 June 2021). "Analysis: Fast Charging Of The New Fiat 500 Electric". Inside EVs. Retrieved 28 March 2023.
  57. "Official FIAT 500 2021 safety rating". Euro NCAP. 2021. Retrieved 16 April 2023.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Fiat 500e (2020).
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.