Next-Gen Fiat 500 Goes Exclusively EV

A new report says that when the next generation of the Fiat 500 city car arrives it will be all-electric all the time.

"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," FCA marketing chief Olivier Francois told Auto Express.

The electric 500 will go upscale as well with Francois hinting at a higher asking price. "Premium is the way we will go with the EV 500," said Francois. The current car, introduced in 2005, has always been pitched as a slightly more uplevel alternative to the conventional compact. Much like the reborn Mini.

Electrifying the 500 will put it on a new platform, Francois said. One designed exclusively for electrification. Though it will remain small. Francois said that it will keep the same size and the same proportions, which will likely make battery placement and capacity a challenge.

The current Fiat 500 has been sold as an EV in some markets, offering 136 km of electric range. 

The new 500 EV is expected to be shown at the 2020 Geneva Motor Show, arriving in production form. Though that won't mark the end of the existing car. That one, with gas engines, will continue on its existing platform alongside the EV.