Chrysler confirms pure electric Fiat 500 for U.S. market in 2012

March 22, 2010November 28, 2012 Omar Rana 2012, Compact Cars, electric-cars, electric-vehicles, Fiat 500, Fiat 500 BEV, Fiat 500EV, Hatchbacks

The Fiat 500 will be available in the North American market with a 1.4L Multiair engine in the fourth quarter of 2010. A 1.4L Multiair turbo is expected to arrive in the fourth-quarter of 2011. Chrysler Group LLC announced today that it will offer the U.S. a pure electric version of the Fiat 500 in 2012.

“Shown earlier this year at the 2010 North American International Auto Show, the Fiat 500EV demonstrates the immediate benefits of the alliance between Chrysler Group and the Fiat Group as well as the speed at which the two companies can work together on advanced vehicle programs,” Chrysler said in a statement.

“The alliance with Fiat presented new opportunities to merge Chrysler Group engineering knowledge with new platforms and the Fiat 500EV is an outstanding example of our efforts,” said Scott Kunselman, Senior Vice President Engineering””Chrysler Group LLC. “The Fiat 500 is a small, lightweight platform perfect for integrating electric-vehicle technology.”

The Fiat 500EV powertrain is made up of a high power electric powertrain module, advanced lithium ion battery, and an EV control unit to manage power flows.

Starting in 2012, Chrysler will manufacture the Fiat 500EV for the United States market. The Auburn Hills automaker said that all powertrain engineering and vehicle development will take place at its headquarters. It said that prices will be announced closer to launch, but expect them to be competitive with similar electric-cars in the market.