Fiat is breathing new life into its iconic Fiat 500 by reviving the name Topolino, but this time as an all-electric mini car. Expected to be the smallest electric vehicle in the Fiat lineup, the Topolino is set to incorporate technology from two older models within the Stellantis group.
In recently released press photos, the Fiat Topolino showcases a retro design that draws inspiration from the Citroën Ami, Opel Rocks-e, and the Fiat 500e. While the exact specifications are yet to be announced, it is anticipated that the Topolino will share similar technology with the Ami and Rocks-e. Both of these mini electric vehicles were introduced as quadricycles or lightweight city vehicles that do not require a driver’s license (except in the UK). For instance, the Citroën Ami boasted a 5.5 kWh battery with a range of approximately 46 miles or 75 kilometers, reaching a top speed of 45 km/h. The starting price for the diminutive EV was around £8,000 or just under €10,000.
However, Fiat has not disclosed further information regarding the market launch and, more importantly, the pricing of the new Topolino.
Interestingly, the name “Topolino” is not entirely new. The first Fiat 500, manufactured from 1936 to 1955, was affectionately called “Topolino” – which means “little mouse” in Italian and symbolizes the agility of small animals or cars.
Fiat describes the new Topolino as a vehicle that brings “a new concept of the dolce vita to the city streets.” The brand aims to cater to a wide audience, including young customers, families, and urban enthusiasts.
While the Topolino evokes the spirit of the Fiat 500, it differentiates itself from the Fiat 500e. The latter, now referred to as the New 500, is a fully electric car, albeit not a full-size one. In our review, the Cinquecento (Fiat 500) effortlessly outperformed its electric small car counterparts in May 2021.
Returning to the present or rather the future, Fiat asserts that the new Topolino BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) aligns perfectly with its vision of “It’s only green when it’s green for all.” The company announced plans for complete and immediate electrification in the UK approximately a year ago. In Europe, Stellantis has scheduled Fiat’s electric transition for 2027, as of February 2022, following Fiat’s earlier global commitment to becoming fully electric by 2030.
