If you think the Fiat 500 is too big and too mainstream for your taste, check out the Fiat Topolino, a tiny electric car designed to charm the urban crowd with its retro style and eco-friendly credentials.
The Topolino, which means "little mouse" in Italian, is a modern reinterpretation of the original Fiat 500 that debuted in 1936 and symbolized Italy's post-war economic boom. The new Fiat Topolino is based on the Citroen Ami, a low-speed electric vehicle that is already available in Europe and can be driven by anyone over 14 years old without a license.
The Fiat Topolino is slightly longer and wider than the Ami, but still measures only 2.41 meters (7.9 feet) long and 1.39 meters (4.5 feet) wide. It has a distinctive Fiat face with round headlights, a chrome grille, and a two-tone body with contrasting roof and bumpers. The interior is minimalist and functional, with a digital instrument cluster, a smartphone holder, and a single-spoke steering wheel.
The Fiat Topolino EV is powered by an 8-horsepower electric motor that drives the front wheels and allows it to reach a top speed of 45 km/h (28 mph). It has a 5.5 kWh battery pack that provides a range of up to 75 km (47 miles) on a single charge. The battery can be recharged in about three hours using a standard household outlet.
The Fiat Topolino is not meant to be a highway cruiser or a long-distance traveler but rather a city car that can zip through traffic and park in tight spaces. It is also a fun and affordable way to go electric, as it costs only €6,900 ($8,300) in Germany, where it will go on sale in early 2023. It will also be available for rent or subscription through various mobility services.
