2013 Fiat 500e: Electric 500 revealed ahead of L.A. debut

The Fiat 500e – the electric version of the 500 – has been revealed ahead of a debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. On sale in U.S. 2013.

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Fiat has been threatening the world with a BEV version of the 500 since the 500e Concept at the Detroit Auto Show at the start of 2010 when they promised the electric Fiat 500 would launch in the U.S. by 2012. Well, they’ve made it – but by the skin of their teeth.

The Fiat 500e has been revealed ahead of its debut this month at the Los Angeles Auto Show and Fiat say it will be on sale in 2013, although probably in tiny numbers and mainly in California.

Expected to cost around $45k – at which elevated price point Fiat will still lose $10k on every 500e they sell – the 500e is all about fulfilling the Chrysler bailout promise to deliver ‘Green’ cars to the States and making a tiny difference to Fiat/Chrysler average CO2 levels.

The 500e BEV doesn’t look a whole lot different to the regular 500 (although you may want to put a big sticker in the back window to tell the world how much you had to pay to be ‘Green’), with just a contrast lower fascia and eco-aero kit, plus what looks like low rolling resistance tyres marking it out. Inside is still Fiat 500 fun but with the gear stick replaced by buttons.

No doubt, as Los Angeles looms, Fiat will confess what the 500e actually offers.