Electrifying
Posted by:
Mark Bilek
Remember the Fiat Twins at the Chicago Auto Show, the Fiat 500 and Fiat 500EV? Well, it appears that they were more than just a pair of pretty faces. Chrysler today announced its plans to engineer and produce a pure electric vehicle using the Fiat 500 platform. Shown earlier this year at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show, the Fiat 500EV demonstrates the immediate benefits of the alliance between Chrysler and the Fiat as well as the speed at which the two companies can work together on advanced vehicle programs.
The Fiat 500EV powertrain will consist of three main systems; high power electric powertrain module, advance lithium ion battery, and an EV control unit to manage power flows. Beginning in 2012, Chrysler will manufacture the Fiat 500EV for the United States market.
All powertrain engineering and vehicle development will take place at Chrysler headquarters in Auburn Hills, Mich. Pricing will be announced closer to launch, but will be competitive with similar electric vehicles in the market--meaning the Nissan Leaf, which would be the only other pure electric mainstream vehicle for sale at that time.
Last year Chrysler announced the company's intention to build the Fiat 500 with a combustion engine for North America. That vehicle will debut in late 2010; however, the official name has not yet been announced.
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