Fiat has unveiled two new electric vehicles that aim to offer more space, comfort, and efficiency for families and businesses. The new Fiat E-Doblo and Fiat E-Ulysse are the latest additions to the brand’s growing electric portfolio, which also includes the Fiat 500e, the Fiat E-Ducato, and the Fiat E-Scudo.
The new electric people movers are based on the successful Fiat Doblo and Fiat Ulysse models, which have been on the market since 2000 and 2002, respectively. However, the new versions feature a number of upgrades and enhancements that make them more suitable for the modern and eco-conscious customer.
Greater autonomy
One of the main advantages of the new electric vehicles is their increased range and performance. Both the Fiat E-Doblo electric minivan and the Fiat E-Ulysse are equipped with a 50 kWh battery and a 100 kW electric motor, which deliver a maximum speed of 130 km/h and a range of up to 285 km in the WLTP cycle.
The battery can be recharged in different ways, depending on the customer’s needs and preferences. The vehicles come with a standard 11 kW on-board charger, which can fully charge the battery in about five hours using a wallbox or a public charging station. Alternatively, the vehicles can also use a rapid DC charger of up to 100 kW, which can replenish 80% of the battery in just 30 minutes.
The electric minvans also feature three driving modes that can optimize the battery consumption and performance according to the driving conditions. These are:
- Normal mode, which provides a balanced driving experience and is recommended for regular traffic situations.
- Eco mode, which reduces the power output and limits the use of some accessories to extend the range and efficiency of the vehicle.
- Power mode, which increases the power output and responsiveness of the vehicle, especially when carrying heavy loads or driving on steep hills.
Updated safety technology
Another key aspect of the new electric vehicles is their improved safety and assistance systems, which aim to make the driving experience more comfortable and secure. The vehicles are equipped with 17 passive and active safety features, some of which are:
- Lane Keeping Assist, which helps the driver stay in the correct lane by correcting the steering if the vehicle is about to cross the lane markings unintentionally.
- Traffic Sign Recognition, which detects and displays the speed limits and other traffic signs on the instrument cluster using a camera on the windshield.
- Forward Collision Warning + Active Safety Brake, which warns the driver of a potential collision with the vehicle in front or a pedestrian crossing the road, and applies the brakes automatically if the driver does not react in time.
- Driver Attention Alert + Coffee Break Alert, which monitors the driver’s behavior and alertness through the steering wheel movements and the front camera, and suggests taking a break if the driver shows signs of fatigue or distraction.
- Blind Spot Detection, which warns the driver of the presence of another vehicle in the blind spot zones using sensors on the rear bumper and indicators on the side mirrors.
- Electric Park Brake, which allows the driver to activate and deactivate the parking brake with a simple button on the dashboard.
- Auto High Beam, which automatically switches between high beam and low beam headlights depending on the traffic and lighting conditions.
- Park Assist, which helps the driver find and park in a suitable space by controlling the steering and providing visual and audible guidance.
New design
The new electric vehicles also feature a unique and distinctive design that sets them apart from their conventional counterparts. The exterior of the vehicles has been refreshed with a new front grille, new bumpers, new LED headlights and taillights, and new alloy wheels. The electric minivans also sport the e-logo on the front fenders, the tailgate, and the Fiat E-Doblo and Fiat E-Ulysse badges on the rear doors.
The interior of the vehicles has also been updated with a new dashboard, seats, upholstery, and trim. The vehicles also offer a high level of comfort and convenience, with features such as:
- Uconnect 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as navigation, radio, Bluetooth, and USB functions.
- Wireless smartphone charger, which allows the driver to charge their phone without using any cables or plugs.
- Automatic climate control, which maintains the desired temperature and humidity inside the vehicle.
- Heated front seats and steering wheel, which provide extra warmth and comfort in cold weather.
- Keyless entry and start, which enable the driver to unlock and start the vehicle without using the key.
Versatility and practicality
The new electric vehicles also retain the versatility and practicality that have made the Fiat Doblo and Fiat Ulysse popular among families and businesses. The vehicles offer a spacious and flexible interior, with a capacity of up to seven passengers and a luggage volume of up to 3,200 liters.
The vehicles also offer a high payload and towing capacity, with a maximum load of up to 803 kg and a maximum trailer weight of up to 1,000 kg. The vehicles also feature a sliding side door and a rear tailgate that facilitate the access and loading of passengers and cargo.
The vehicles are available in two lengths, standard and long, and two trim levels, standard and primo. The standard trim offers basic but functional equipment, while the primo trim adds more comfort and convenience features. The vehicles can also be customized with various options and packs, such as the winter pack, the safety pack, the comfort pack, and the style pack.
Comparison with similar Vans
The new electric vehicles face some competition from other electric people movers in the market, such as the Nissan e-NV200 Combi, the Renault Kangoo Z.E. Maxi, and the Citroen e-SpaceTourer. Here is a comparison table that shows some of the main features and specifications of these products:
| Feature | Fiat E-Doblo | Fiat E-Ulysse | Nissan e-NV200 Combi | Renault Kangoo Z.E. Maxi | Citroen e-SpaceTourer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battery size | 50 kWh | 50 kWh | 40 kWh | 33 kWh | 50 kWh or 75 kWh |
| Electric range | 285 km | 285 km | 200 km | 200 km | 230 km or 330 km |
| Power output | 100 kW | 100 kW | 80 kW | 44 kW | 100 kW |
| Top speed | 130 km/h | 130 km/h | 123 km/h | 130 km/h | 135 km/h |
| Payload | 803 kg | 803 kg | 705 kg | 640 kg | 1,000 kg |
| Towing capacity | 1,000 kg | 1,000 kg | 430 kg | N/A | 1,000 kg |
| Passenger capacity | 7 | 7 | 5 or 7 | 5 | 5 or 9 |
| Luggage volume | 3,200 liters | 3,200 liters | 2,940 liters | 1,300 liters | 1,978 liters or 2,381 liters |
| Price (before incentives) | $41,400 | $41,400 | $38,900 | $36,500 | $48,900 or $51,900 |
As the table shows, the new Fiat electric vehicles offer some advantages over their rivals, such as a larger battery size, a longer electric range, a higher power output, a higher payload, and a higher towing capacity. However, they also have some disadvantages, such as a higher price, a lower top speed, and a lower passenger capacity than some of the competitors.
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Conclusion
The new Fiat E-Doblo and Fiat E-Ulysse are attractive and competitive electric vehicles that offer a great solution for families and businesses that need a spacious, comfortable, and efficient people mover. The vehicles combine the proven and successful formula of the Fiat Doblo and Fiat Ulysse models with the benefits of electric mobility, such as zero emissions, low running costs, and smooth driving. The vehicles also feature a number of improvements and enhancements in terms of range, performance, safety, and design that make them stand out from their conventional and electric counterparts. The electric minivans are expected to be available at $41,400 before incentives.
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