Logo
No matching results

Recent Articles

Popular Makes

Body Types

2013 Fiat 500e Preview: 2012 LA Auto Show

Christian Wardlaw
by Christian Wardlaw
December 1, 2012
3 min. Reading Time
fallback

Many car companies believe that the future of personal mobility is, at least in part, electrified. Personally, I prefer a hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle any day. In any case, electric vehicles (EVs) are available in increasing numbers, and for 2013, Fiat jumps into the game with the new 500e.

To carve out a specific niche within the EV marketplace, where the 2013 Fiat 500e will compete against the Chevrolet Spark EV, Honda Fit EV, Mitsubishi i-MiEV, Scion iQ EV, and Smart ForTwo Electric Drive, Fiat plans to pitch the 2013 500e as one that is fun to drive in addition to emissions-free.

Does that matter? Time will tell, especially since most EVs are fun to drive, thanks to their super-low centers of gravity and instantaneous delivery of torque from the moment the driver gooses the, umm, gas.

2013 Fiat 500e Preview: 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show

  • Electric powertrain
  • Redesigned body structure
  • Aerodynamic styling modifications
  • Regenerative braking system
  • New suspension, steering
  • Estimated 80-mile range
  • Estimated 116 MPGe rating
  • Recharges in 24 hours using 120-volt outlet
  • Recharges in 4 hours using 240-volt quick charger
  • Optional e-Sport Package
  • TFT gauge display
fallback

2013 Fiat 500e Preview: 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show

To prepare the diminutive FIAT 500 for the added weight and complexity of its electric drivetrain, the company has redesigned its underlying structure and, in the process, improved bending stiffness by 10 percent. With the Lithium-ion battery pack installed, the new Fiat 500e’s weight distribution also improves to 57/43 front-to-rear.

In order to maximize driving range, something needed to be done about the standard Fiat 500 model’s unimpressive 0.36 coefficient of drag. That’s why the new 500e model looks the way it does. Revised styling, new side mirrors, underbody belly pans, a rear spoiler, and flush-design, staggered-width 15-inch aluminum wheels wrapped in low rolling-resistance tires bring that coefficient of drag down to 0.31 cd, and add a total of five miles to the car’s driving range in the process.

FIAT trims the 500e out in a number of exotic-sounding exterior colors and interior hues, allowing owners to tailor one to specific tastes. The 500e Steam models have white exterior accents, while the 500e Nero Steam models have a combination of black and body-color exterior accents. An e-Sport Package adds dark-tinted headlights and taillights, smoked-finish wheels, orange mirror caps, a black interior, and Electric Orange interior and exterior accents for a sportier appearance.

fallback

2013 Fiat 500e Preview: 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show

The new 2013 Fiat 500e is equipped with an electric motor, a single-speed transmission, and a rechargeable 24 kWh Lithium-ion battery pack. System output measures 111 horsepower and 147 lb.-ft. of torque, 10 extra ponies and 49 additional lb.-ft. of twist compared to a standard Fiat 500. Still, this is not a quick car. It takes nine seconds to reach 60 mph, according to FIAT.

FIAT also says the 500e offers a maximum estimated driving range of 80 miles, and should achieve an EPA rating of 116 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent). Using a standard 120-volt household outlet, it takes 24 hours to recharge the 500e. Ouch. That means you’ll want to invest in the 240-volt Level 2 quick charge upgrade, which juices the 500e in four hours.

To accommodate the electric powertrain’s extra weight, and in addition to the car’s upgraded structure, the Fiat 500e gets a new suspension, one which offers a fun-to-drive side effect. The 500e also gets new electric steering equipped with road crown compensation and crosswind stabilization, Hill Start Assist, and a 4-wheel-disc regenerative anti-lock braking system with brake assist.

fallback

2013 Fiat 500e Preview: 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show

Don’t look for an “Eco” button inside the Fiat 500e. There isn’t one. Engineers did not want their zippy little electric car to feel unresponsive just to eke out an extra mile or two of range. The transmission is also designed to mimic the “creep” of a standard gasoline powertrain and transmission, so that when the driver releases pressure on the 500e’s brake pedal, the car starts to move forward a bit.

An audible pedestrian warning system is standard, and operates at speeds under 20 mph to ensure that people walking near the 500e know that it is running or moving. Seven airbags are aboard to protect occupants in a collision, and the 500e is equipped with rear park assist sensors.

The 500e swaps its traditional gauge cluster for a 7-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) display screen and a new color vehicle information center. The transmission selector is a series of push buttons on the console. Otherwise, the 500e is similar inside to other 500 models, stocked with automatic climate control, a navigation system, a premium sound system, and Bluetooth hands-free calling and music streaming. Heated front seats are also included, in a combination of cloth and leatherette upholstery, and a power sunroof is optional.

The 500e also comes with a free three-year subscription to a Fiat Access smartphone application that allows the owner to program charge times, pre-condition the cabin for driving, and receive vehicle status reports from a remote location. The app also helps the 500e’s owner to find local charging stations.

fallback

2013 Fiat 500e Preview: 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show

Until pricing is announced, it’s impossible to make a call on the new Fiat 500e. Its Italian boutique-car status will allow FIAT to charge a premium over direct competitors, but not more than the larger Chevrolet Volt, Ford Focus Electric and Nissan LEAF. That said, there are likely plenty of eco-minded folks looking for an electric car that can be personalized the way the new 500e can.

fallback

`

Interested in Getting a New Car?

Used Cars Near You

No Data Available

Powered by Usedcars.com
©2024 AutoWeb, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Some content provided by and under copyright by Autodata, Inc. dba Chrome Data. © 1986-2024.