The next-generation Fiat 500e electric has been spotted again
during testing, giving us a first peek at the interior. Compared to the
previous sighting this summer, the all-electric prototype features some
significant changes at the front, where a protruding makeshift element now
stands before the grille. We don’t know what to make of it but a closer look
around it reveals that the cutouts for the headlights are too large, which
could indicate that the upcoming Fiat 500e will have bigger lamps.
None of the three prototypes spotted by
Carscoops photographers in Germany have exhaust pipes, but they all feature EV
charging ports where you’d usually find the fuel filler cap. It’s pretty
obvious that the biggest changes will take place at the front and rear ends as
those are the areas featuring the largest amount of black vinyl camouflage.
There’s not much else to talk about
regarding the exterior, as these next-gen Fiat 500e prototypes are obviously
based on the current version of the city car. What’s far more interesting is
the interior, where we can spot new stuff including a refreshed steering wheel,
redesigned dashboard with bigger dials flanking a larger LED multifunctional
display, and a rotary knob for the automatic transmission placed on the center
console.
Near the selector we can also see buttons
we did not expect to find on an electric Fiat 500. They are labeled “4WD Auto,”
“4WD High” and “Axle Lock” but we wouldn’t get too excited about them because
they are probably blank. The automaker likely sourced the selector complete
with the buttons from FCA’s parts bin – unless the Fiat 500e will surprise
everyone and launch with a two-motor setup and e-AWD.
The new Fiat 500e will be based on a new
platform designed with electrification in mind. It’s too early for specs, but
the electric city car should feature more than its predecessor’s 111 HP, 200 Nm of torque and 135 kilometers of range.
Production of the upcoming Fiat 500 EV
will begin at the Mirafiori plant in Italy in the second quarter of 2020, so we
can expect it to launch in Europe not long after that as a 2021MY model. The
automaker hasn’t confirmed whether the EV will be offered in the United States,
where the current 500 has been already discontinued.
