fiat 500e electric hatchback at LA auto show

fiat ‘500e’

introduced at the 2012 LA auto show, italian car manufacturers fiat have followed up on their successful two-door hatchback with an electrified version of the vehicle: the 500e. after spending more than 140 hours of wind-tunnel sculpting for a 13 percent aerodynamic and weight improvement, the 111 horsepower electric powered city car provides up-to 160 kilometers (100 miles) of range before needing to be recharged with a 240v outlet. its regenerative braking system converts kinetic energy to electricity, providing additional range by charging the 24kWh hour liquid-cooled/heated lithium-ion battery.

an upgraded chassis puts an emphasis on handling and braking performance, where specially engineered suspension tailors to the EV’s architecture to engage a dynamic driving experience. the interior cockpit incorporates a 7-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) instrument cluster display with an integrated electronic vehicle information center that showcases large digital readouts indicating speed and range are ringed by dynamic gauges that give real-time feedback on state-of-charge and driving style.

rear 3/4 view

passenger side view

3/4 drivers side view context

3/4 passenger rear view context

detail of front diffuser with 500e logo

interior cockpit detail

7 inch display

original concept sketch