The second iteration of Fiat’s iconic 500 debuted in 2007 as a chic city car. That has remained, with this model remaining exceptionally popular throughout its lifetime.
With many 500s used in the city, it makes a lot of sense for cars like this to be made electric. And luckily for buyers, this is what Fiat is set to do next year.
Interestingly, though, this won’t be the first electric 500, as Fiat has previously sold a version in America (and continues to do so), though the brand has previously said the 500 is a big loss maker for the manufacturer.
Here’s what we know about the 2020 model so far.
The new battery-electric has already been confirmed
Fiat is a brand that is known for not revealing too many secrets about its new cars, but the Italian firm was quick to announce its intentions with the electrified 500.
The firm announced in July 2019 that it was gearing up its Mirafiori plant in Italy to cater for the production of this new Electric model, with pre-production versions set to roll off the production line by the end of 2019.
It’s set to take the Fiat 500 upmarket
Electric cars tend to command higher prices, and that is set to remain with the Fiat 500, which looks to take the Italian firm further upmarket.
Oliver Francois, chief marketing officer at FCA, has previously told Auto Express: “Premium is the way we will go with the EV 500. A new 500, totally renewed. A new object. Totally electric. It’s kind of an urban Tesla, with beautiful style. Italianess, dolce vita in an electric car. It’s the polar opposite of Centoventi.”
This will not mean the end of the petrol Fiat 500
While many rumours have previously circulated that the all-electric model would mean the end of traditional petrol models, it’s highly likely that this won’t be the case.
Instead the range-topping Electric version is set to sit alongside the cheaper petrol models in the range – meaning this model will continue to remain affordable. This is because the Electric 500 is set to be built on its own bespoke platform, whereas the existing model is set to continue being sold in its existing form.
It will be unveiled at next year’s Geneva Motor Show
Fiat tends to use Geneva as its standout event to showcase new products and designs, with 2019 being the year Fiat showcased its quirky Cenotoventi Concept – a preview of the next Panda.
And in 2020, the 500 Electric is set to be in control of the limelight – rivalling models such as the Mini Cooper Electric and Peugeot e-208.
