Fiat Unveils Tiny Electric Vehicle for US Market, With a Bizarrely Low Top Speed
In a surprise move, Fiat USA announced plans to import its all-electric Topolino to the United States next year. The pint-sized car boasts an 8-horsepower electric motor and a top speed of just 28 miles per hour, making it suitable for short trips around city streets or quiet neighborhoods.
The Topolino is essentially a scaled-down golf cart on wheels, with a single adult driver able to fit comfortably in the front seat. Two adults can squeeze in, albeit less comfortably, due to the car's narrow profile. However, Fiat has managed to pack in some surprisingly modern conveniences, including doors, windows, Bluetooth connectivity, and even a smartphone dock for directions.
The Topolino is not a new arrival on the market; it was first introduced in European countries last year as part of Stellantis' efforts to expand its portfolio. Although Fiat had shown interest in bringing the car to the US before, it never gained much traction due to the company's struggles with sales and lineup revamps.
The Topolino is a far cry from Fiat's current offering in the US market, which is the all-electric 500e small hatchback. The latter has been struggling to find its footing thanks to declining EV tax incentives, tariffs, and relatively high prices.
One notable difference between the Topolino and the 500e lies in their top speeds β the latter can reach a respectable 94 mph, while the former is limited to a more leisurely pace of 28 miles per hour. Despite this, Fiat sees potential for the Topolino to carve out a niche market among urban dwellers with limited parking options, those requiring multiple vehicles, or simply enthusiasts seeking a European-style driving experience.
The question on everyone's mind now is: just how much will the Topolino cost when it arrives in the US next year? If priced competitively, it might just find its way onto many city streets and urban shopping routes.
In a surprise move, Fiat USA announced plans to import its all-electric Topolino to the United States next year. The pint-sized car boasts an 8-horsepower electric motor and a top speed of just 28 miles per hour, making it suitable for short trips around city streets or quiet neighborhoods.
The Topolino is essentially a scaled-down golf cart on wheels, with a single adult driver able to fit comfortably in the front seat. Two adults can squeeze in, albeit less comfortably, due to the car's narrow profile. However, Fiat has managed to pack in some surprisingly modern conveniences, including doors, windows, Bluetooth connectivity, and even a smartphone dock for directions.
The Topolino is not a new arrival on the market; it was first introduced in European countries last year as part of Stellantis' efforts to expand its portfolio. Although Fiat had shown interest in bringing the car to the US before, it never gained much traction due to the company's struggles with sales and lineup revamps.
The Topolino is a far cry from Fiat's current offering in the US market, which is the all-electric 500e small hatchback. The latter has been struggling to find its footing thanks to declining EV tax incentives, tariffs, and relatively high prices.
One notable difference between the Topolino and the 500e lies in their top speeds β the latter can reach a respectable 94 mph, while the former is limited to a more leisurely pace of 28 miles per hour. Despite this, Fiat sees potential for the Topolino to carve out a niche market among urban dwellers with limited parking options, those requiring multiple vehicles, or simply enthusiasts seeking a European-style driving experience.
The question on everyone's mind now is: just how much will the Topolino cost when it arrives in the US next year? If priced competitively, it might just find its way onto many city streets and urban shopping routes.