Official: New Fiat 500 Goes Full Electric With 199 Miles Range, U.S. Launch Unsure (85 Photos)

Fiat has officially revealed the all new 500, which has been reinvented as a modern purely electric city car without losing his much loved retro appeal.

The now electric Fiat 500 is now built upon a new platform, making it 6 cm (2.3 inches) longer, 6 cm (2.3 inches) wider, 4 cm (1.6 inches) taller and with an extended by 2 cm (0.8 inches) wheelbase.

The new Fiat 500 has not been confirmed for the U.S. at this point, as FCA is still evaluating its potential for the North American market.

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Power is provided by a 116 HP electric motor and a 42-kWh lithium-ion battery, giving the new Fiat 500 a driving range of 199 miles (320 km) on the WLTP cycle. The new 500 is also fitted with a 85kW fast charger, allowing it to charge the battery up to 85 percent in just 35 minutes.

Fiat’s new electric baby can hit 62 mph (100 km/h) from a standstill in 9 seconds flat, while 0-31 mph comes in just 3.1 seconds. Top speed is limited to 93 mph (150 km/h).

There are three driving modes: Normal, Range and Sherpa, which reduces energy consumption as much as possible in order to ensure the driver can reach his destination set on the navigation system or the nearest charging station. Sherpa mode also limits the power, throttle response and the top speed down to 50 mph (80 km/h), and even deactivates features like the climate control and heated seats for maximum efficiency.

Normal and Range modes enable “engine braking” when you take your foot off the throttle, with the Range activating the full one-pedal-drive function.

The new Fiat 500 is also the first car in its segment to offer Level 2 autonomous driving; the system combines an adaptive cruise control with lane keep assist and a front-facing camera that monitors the surroundings.

The interior of the new Fiat 500 features the latest UConnect 5 infotainment system, which runs through a wide 10.25-inch touchscreen display, featuring a very intuitive UI and offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Fiat will offer the new 500 in the limited ‘la Prima’ launch edition, which is available in three colors and features full LED headlights, eco-leather upholstery, 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, and chrome-plated inserts. Just 500 examples of the Fiat 500 ‘la Prima’ will be available, priced at €37,900 ($42,160 in current exchange rates) in its home market. Base models are expected to be more affordable, and they kind of have to.

Three one-off special editions from Bvlgari, Kartell and Giorgio Armani

Along with the new 500 ‘la Prima’, Fiat has also revealed three special one-off variants that were created with the help of Giorgio Armani, Bvlgari and Kartell respectively. The three unique models celebrate the launch of the iconic Italian city car and will be offered in a charity auction, with all the proceeds to go to one of Leonardo Di Caprio’s environmental organizations.

The new Fiat 500 EV will be available only in a convertible bodystyle with a sliding fabric top initially, followed by a proper hard-top variant on a later date. Fiat plans to keep the current ICE-powered 500 on sale alongside the new electric model for at least two more years.