Fiat New 500

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This article is about the Fiat New 500 fully electric car introduced in 2020. For the internal combustion engine 500 introduced in 2007, see Fiat 500 (2007). For the original Fiat 500 introduced in 1957, see Fiat 500.
Not to be confused with the battery electric versions of the Fiat 500 (2007): Micro-Vett conversion (2008), Fiat 500e (2013)).
Fiat New 500
Fiat-500-vorne2.jpg
Overview
ManufacturerFiat[a]
Also calledFiat 500e
ProductionFebruary 2020–present
AssemblyItaly: Mirafiori, Turin[1]
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)
  • 87 kW (118 PS; 117 hp)[2]
Battery
  • 24 kWh lithium-ion
  • 42 kWh lithium-ion[2]
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)
Curb weight1,255–1,405 kg (2,767–3,097 lb)
Chronology
PredecessorFiat 500e (2013)

The Fiat New 500 (project 332) is a battery-electric city car by Italian manufacturer Fiat. It was unveiled on March 4, 2020, in Milan, Italy;[3] it was scheduled to be launched at the Geneva Motor Show, but that event was canceled. The New 500 car is manufactured at the Mirafiori plant in Turin and will be sold alongside the conventionally-powered 500 that was introduced in 2007, which will continue to be manufactured in Tychy, Poland. That 2007 car was used as the basis of a previous battery-electric Fiat 500e, which was sold only in the United States from 2013 and had a much smaller range than the New 500.

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. The car is powered by an 87 kW (116 hp) electric motor, fed by a 42 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

History and design[]

Sergio Marchionne called for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles to pivot towards electric and hybrid automobiles starting in 2018, including an all-new electric 500 by 2020.[4] Previously, FCA had assembled the 500e, a battery-electric vehicle 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.[5][6] 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 battery-electric 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.[7]

In July 2019, FCA announced plans to invest €700 million in its Mirafiori plant to build a new production line devoted to its first battery-electric vehicle 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.[8] FCA invested another €50 million to build a battery production line at Mirafiori in October 2019.[9] Camouflaged prototypes of the 500 BEV were photographed while undergoing tests in December 2019.[10]

The public unveiling on March 4, 2020, previously scheduled for Geneva, was led by FCA Chief Marketing Officer Olivier François, who held the event in Milan "to show that FCA stands close to Milan and to Italy." At the launch event, chairs for the automotive press were placed 1 metre (3 ft 3 in) apart to comply with local social distancing requirements.[11]

The New 500 sits on a totally new platform and is slightly bigger than its 2007 predecessor. Compared to the earlier 500 (2007), 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.[12] The older 500, originally introduced in 2007, is equipped with an internal-combustion engine or a mild hybrid drivetrain and will remain on sale.[13]

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.[12] The "La Prima" launch editions have a retail price of €37900 in Italy,[11] before any local government incentives.

A three-door hatchback followed in June 2020, starting at GB£26,995,[14] 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 at GB£22,995[15] as the "Action" model with a smaller 24 kW-hr battery; the more expensive "Passion" and "Icon" models were offered at GB£26,495 and GB£27,995, respectively, and were equipped with a 42 kW-hr battery. The top of the line remained "La Prima", at GB£30,495.[16]

In Autumn 2021, Fiat announced a new Product Red branded edition, fitted with the 42kWh battery and available in hatchback and convertible styles, and the Passion trim level was withdrawn.

  • Rear view, "La Prima" edition (2020)

  • Fiat 500e "3+1" 4-door

  • One-off Kartell, unloading from trailer (2020)

  • One-off B.500 MAI TROPPO (2020)

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.[17] The Kartell and Bvlgari models were created though a partnership between FCA and Altagamma.[18] 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.[19]

Lasers were used to engrave the steel body panels are used on the Armani, which is finished in a "silk effect" grey-green matte finish which includes anti-pollution and anti-bacterial technologies.[20] The seats are finished in a similar color leather from certified sources.[18] After the car was unveiled in front of Duomo Cathedral, it was moved throughout Milan "to send a strong message of positivity to Italy, and to Milan in particular".[20]

The Kartell is finished in a monochrome "Kartell blue" color, 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,[21] and the seats are upholstered with 100% recycled polypropylene.[18]

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;[22] 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.[18] In addition, a special hatbox and jewelry case were made for the B.500, and the gold key to the automobile (set with an ancient coin) may be worn as jewelry as well.[19]

Sales and production[]

Production began in February 2020, shortly after FCA completed the new production line at Mirafiori.[23] However, production was paused starting on March 13 during the nationwide lockdown in Italy due to the spread of coronavirus infections.[24]

Sales are currently limited to Europe only, with other markets, including Brazil, to follow starting in 2021. Exports to the U.S. could follow if there is sufficient demand.[25] The New 500 competes with electric city cars like the Mini Electric, Honda e and Smart Forfour.

Equipment[]

Interior

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.[17] 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.[26]

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, automatic call to the emergency services, and can also be used to monitor the car (or control certain functions) remotely using a smartphone app.[27][28]

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, but the New 500 will instead play the score from Amarcord, composed by Nino Rota, when cruising below 20 kilometres per hour (12 mph).[17] According to Fiat, alternative sounds will be downloadable in the future.[29]

Performance[]

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 117 bhp (87 kW) motor, 42 kWh battery (37.3 kWh usable), and 85 kW charger.[16] 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.[2][12] 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, and the top speed is limited to 84 mph (135 km/h),[30] but both battery models can accelerate to 0–50 km/h (31 mph) in 3.1 seconds.

The New 500 has three driving modes branded "Normal", "Range", and "Sherpa". Fiat's press release describes the features of Sherpa mode: "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."[17] Range mode enables one-pedal driving, with strong regenerative braking as the throttle pedal is lifted.[17]

Charging[]

The New 500 is equipped with an 85 kW fast charger system (except the 24kWh model which can charge up 50kW). It takes 5 minutes to charge enough to travel 50 kilometres (31 mi). The fast charger can charge the battery to 80% in just 35 minutes. A CCS Combo Type 2 socket located on the rear right fender of the car accommodates both AC and DC charging, with all models able to received up to 11kW AC charging. 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.[17]

Notes[]

  1. ^

References[]

  1. ^ Attwood, James (4 March 2020). "New Fiat 500e: technical details of electric city car leaked". Autocar. Retrieved 4 March 2020.
  2. ^ a b c Razagui, Haitham (5 March 2020). "New Fiat 500 to be electric-only". GoAuto. Retrieved 5 March 2020.
  3. ^ Malan, Andrea (March 4, 2020). "Fiat unveils electric 500 in Milan despite virus fears". Automotive News Europe. Retrieved 4 March 2020.
  4. ^ Manthey, Nora (June 2, 2018). "FCA calls for electric models across all brands". electrive. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  5. ^ 2012 Sustainability Report (PDF) (Report). Fiat S.p.A. March 2013. p. 99. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  6. ^ Noble, Breana (September 3, 2019). "Fiat to pull the 500 from North America market". The Detroit News. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  7. ^ Hempel, Carrie (March 6, 2019). "Fiat concept Centoventi offers outlook on electric Panda". electrive. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  8. ^ Piovaccari, Giulio (July 11, 2019). "FCA plans electric Fiat 500 for 2020 as moves on from Renault". Reuters. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  9. ^ Piovaccari, Giulio (October 22, 2019). Merriman, Jane (ed.). "Fiat Chrysler to build new car battery hub in Turin". Reuters. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  10. ^ Berman, Bradley (January 21, 2020). "The return of the Fiat 500e, and its outsized meaning for EVs". electrek. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  11. ^ a b Piovaccari, Giulio (March 4, 2020). "Fiat Chrysler defies virus fears to showcase electric 500 in Milan". Reuters. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  12. ^ a b c Tisshaw, Mark (4 March 2020). "Fiat 500 reinvented as all-electric city car for 2020". Autocar. Retrieved 8 March 2020.
  13. ^ Petrány, Máté (March 9, 2020). "New Fiat 500 goes all-electric". Hagerty. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  14. ^ Pattni, Vijay (8 June 2020). "The Fiat 500 is now a £27k electric hatchback". BBC TopGear. Retrieved 5 August 2021.
  15. ^ Dobie, Stephen (22 October 2020). "Check out Fiat's new weirdly doored 500 3+1". BBC TopGear. Retrieved 5 August 2021.
  16. ^ a b "Car Review: Fiat 500 | Buying". BBC TopGear. Retrieved 5 August 2021.
  17. ^ a b c d e f "The New 500 is coming: it's time to take action to create a better future" (Press release). Fiat (FCA). Retrieved 5 March 2020.
  18. ^ a b c d "Fiat 500 EV: The Bvlgari, Kartell and Armani one off". Auto & Design. 5 March 2020. Retrieved 12 April 2020.
  19. ^ a b 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.
  20. ^ a b "Giorgio Armani designs a one-off electric Fiat 500 model" (Press release). Armani Corporate. March 2020. Retrieved 12 April 2020.
  21. ^ "Kartell interprets the all-new Fiat 500 full electric". urdesign. March 5, 2020. Retrieved 12 April 2020.
  22. ^ "New B.500 by Bvlgari - 'MAI TROPPO'". Bvlgari. March 2020. Retrieved 12 April 2020.
  23. ^ Randall, Chris (February 18, 2020). "Fiat Chrysler starts Fiat 500 BEV pre-series production". electrive. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  24. ^ Piovaccari, Giulio (April 2, 2020). Potter, Mark (ed.). "Fiat Chrysler to start three Italian sites immediately after lockdown ends: union". Reuters. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  25. ^ Ramey, Jay (March 9, 2020). "The Fiat 500 Is Back, and It's All-Electric This Time Around". Autoweek. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  26. ^ "Fiat New 500 debuts as a tech-loaded tiny BEV". www.autodevot.com. Retrieved 8 April 2020.
  27. ^ Howe, James (4 March 2020). "New Fiat 500 electric car: prices, spec and on-sale date". Driving Electric. Retrieved 8 March 2020.
  28. ^ 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.
  29. ^ Kierstein, Alex (March 5, 2020). "Before the New Fiat 500 Runs You Over, You'll Hear Old Italian Music". Motor Trend. Retrieved 12 April 2020.
  30. ^ "Car Review: Fiat 500 | Driving". BBC TopGear. Retrieved 5 August 2021.

External links[]

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