Chrysler Group LLC took a small step in the direction of electrification this week, rolling out a battery-powered, mini-compact hatchback. The Fiat 500e is the first electric vehicle introduced by Chrysler since the company discontinued production of the Dodge EPIC minivan (which was sold only to fleets) in 1999, and the first electric production car in its 87-year history.
"It's an electric vehicle that doesn't act like an electric appliance," said Olivier Francois, chief marketing officer of Chrysler LLC and Fiat Automobiles, during the vehicle's streamed introduction from the Los Angeles Auto Show. "It brings beauty to the world of electric vehicles -- Italian design, legendary heritage, and an electric powerplant."
Click on the image below to see the Fiat 500e.
A "retro-futuristic design" includes seven-inch thin film transistor displays in the instrument cluster to illustrate vehicle functions, charge levels, and trip summaries. (Source: Chrysler Group)
The new Fiat will feature an all-electric driving range of 80 miles, along with an estimated 108MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) fuel efficiency. Powered by a 111hp permanent magnet electric motor, the vehicle will hit a top speed of 85mph. Its 24kWh lithium-ion battery is similar in capacity to that of the well-known Nissan Leaf electric car, and it can be charged in approximately four hours at 240V. The liquid-cooled battery pack and the electric motor are supplied by Bosch Automotive.
Chrysler said the vehicle will be sold only in California for now, but added that it is not a so-called "compliance car," aimed at satisfying the requirements of California's zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate. "Obviously, there is a mandate," Chrysler spokesman Jiyan Cadiz told Design News. "But for us, it's more important than that. It's the first time we're doing an electric vehicle, so it's our chance to gain competency and show that we can do it." Cadiz added that the vehicle program gives Chrysler engineers an opportunity to develop expertise in EV batteries and electric powertrains.
Up until this week's introduction of the Fiat 500e, Chrysler executives have publicly resisted any suggestion of widespread electrification of the company's vehicle line. "I'm not scared, I just won't do it," said Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne, referring to electrification, in an interview with Automobile Magazine in July 2012. "I just will not do it. I think we're smoking illegal materials if we think we're going to make those [profitably]. It just won't work."
Industry analysts said Marchionne's earlier comments are one of several indications that the 500e's main role is to meet California's ZEV standards. "It's definitely a compliance vehicle," Kevin See, an industry analyst for Lux Research Inc., told Design News. "I wouldn't expect many to be sold."
Still, Chrysler said the vehicle's development involved a significant engineering effort. The technical staff employed 140 hours of wind tunnel testing to deliver a 13 percent aerodynamics improvement (0.311 coefficient of drag) over its conventionally powered 2013 Fiat 500. By doing so, it added five miles of all-electric range.
Chrysler also pointed to the vehicle's high-tech interior as an example of the technology that's going into the 500e. The interior includes seven-inch thin-film transistor instrument cluster displays, navigation system, power-flow gauges, and an electronic shifter with pushbutton transmission mode selection. "It's a great canvas," Cadiz told us, referring to the company's Cinquecento lineup, which includes the 500e. "It's the perfect car for us to do electric."
CEO's are like politicians, if their lips are moving, they are spinning the truth. I will not go so far as to say that he is lieing, but even this short article reveals that the Fiat 500e is only going to be sold in CA. So if it is not a "compliance vehicle" why not expand the market as large as possible. Has anyone noticed that Suzuki cars is dead? Why? They had few dealerships and no market penetration. If these guys are serious about the future of electric vehicles, market them nationwide! We are always hearing about economy of scale. Then scale it up!
Maybe the CEO is right, they cannot make a profit on them so now they simply make enough to remain compliant. Then they turn around and market their real profit vehicles, trucks and luxury vehicles! But hey the Viper is coming back!!! Rich people in CA want to buy that, so then Chrysler needs to be compliant to sell in CA.
Cap'n, as far as electric vehicles (and to some extent hybrids) go, it is important to have a design that is appropriate for the technology. The first successful hybrid, the Prius, was a totally new design. I recently saw an original one, by the way. It is TINY! The car was going 55 in the right lane on an Interstate with a 65 MPH speed limit. There was a long line behind it. It looked so antiquated.
The 500 is an old model designation for Fiat. I have an Italian engineer friend who had one in Milan when he was young. When the 500 first came out in the US I asked him if he was going to get one. His response was along the lines of are you kidding?
It is interesting as far as the 500e goes that they worked on the aerodynamics, but not the weight. A curb weight of 2,980 lbs is not light. It must be due to the battery. On the other hand, why are more composites not used in the body? That would also extend the range.
Let's see if they get the vehicle to production. It's small, but the speed and range are good enough for the average commute. The big question is if they can get it into production, and sell it.
The constant stress I have to keep my phone charges, will soon apply to my car. I have to say, I am not looking forward to that. I'm hoping that wireless power transfer options will be prevalent when EVs are affordable to most people. (IE: see Witricity)
Also, 80 mile range is great for a zip-car style rental service, but I shy away from that for a regular car. I'd say at least 150 is target. Anyone here have an EV?
I could get excited if the car weren't so unattractive. Fiat may not be an innovation laeader but this looks like they're just playing catch up. And, doing it poorly.
The battery is 24-kWh and is made up of 97 lithium-ion cells, naperlou, so, yes, it's big. It does use some composite materials, according to the press materials, but it's not clear yet where the composites will be used.
Cabe, you've raised a point that is seldom brought up. Right now, the owners of EVs tend to be early adopters who seem to have no issues with re-charging their cars. But will all consumers have the necessary patience to deal with the required recharging times?
Charles, finally Fiat also joints with the EV sector by introducing Fiat 500e. Any test drive result data sheet is available for reference. What about the market opinion and how fiat is distinguishing their product from other competitors.
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