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- Fiat reveals electric 600e and Topolino models ahead of their launch in Europe, as part of its electric offensive.
- The 600e crossover promises a range of 248 miles and front-wheel drive, though not as much power as one would expect, with 154 hp on tap.
- The Topolino, powered by a 5.4-kWh battery, will start below the $11,000 mark in Europe, but won't offer highway speeds or a range above 50 miles.
Fiat took the wraps off not one but two EVs over the July 4th weekend, and they're both nods to the marque's distant past.
If you require some dolce vita in your daily electric motoring (and you live in Europe), you might opt for the new Topolino. Despite the name, the pocket-sized model is actually more of a stylistic nod to the 500 Jolly beach car than the Topolino, and shares a platform with the similarly shaped Citroen Ami.
In fact, this is really an Ami that has been restyled to look like a vintage Fiat 500 or the Jolly more than anything else, but Fiat had to work with what it was given.
The result is a small runabout with an overall length of just under 100 inches, with a 5.4-kWh battery underneath providing the juice. This gives the Topolino a range of 46 miles and a top speed of just 28 mph, which also means it's not really a car one can take on the autostrada.
Rather, the Topolino is classified in Europe akin to a motorcycle, making it usable by drivers younger than 18, and is mostly aimed at city driving.
While this might seem like a logical alternative to a motorcycle or scooter, price-wise the Topolino will land north of that category with a sticker price close to $10,800. Despite this, the Topolino should be a hit in Italy and really everywhere in southern Europe with its mix of cheeky looks, low price compared to real cars, and city-friendly footprint.
Second, Fiat unveiled the battery-electric 600e, revealing the crossover companion to its 500e that's already on sale in Europe. Sized reasonably close to the nearly decade-old 500X, the new crossover is based on Stellantis' e-CMP platform just like its Jeep Avenger sibling, while offering a slightly more city-friendly exterior.
The debut of the 600e is part of Fiat's long-awaited lineup rejuvenation, one that seeks to keep packaging that has worked well in the recent past, while looking to an electric future.
Powered by a 54-kWh battery, the 600e will produce 154 hp with a single motor positioned up front. This layout gives the 600e a range of 248 miles in the WLTP cycle, landing about mid-pack when it comes to electric crossovers of its size. If the motor's output is any indication, the 600e will certainly err on the side of range over performance, requiring nine seconds to propel itself from 0 to 62 mph. As a small crossover, the 600e is about 164 inches long, making it half a foot shorter than the current Mini Countryman.
The US isn't expected to receive either of these two electric Fiat models, but we will get something sized roughly between the two next year in the form of the electric Fiat 500e.
Should Fiat also offer the 600e or the Topolino stateside, or are they not well suited for this market? Let us know in the comments below.
Jay Ramey grew up around very strange European cars, and instead of seeking out something reliable and comfortable for his own personal use he has been drawn to the more adventurous side of the dependability spectrum. Despite being followed around by French cars for the past decade, he has somehow been able to avoid Citroën ownership, judging them too commonplace, and is currently looking at cars from the former Czechoslovakia. Jay has been with Autoweek since 2013.
