FCA Announces The All New, All Electric Fiat 500

• Third-gen 500 goes all-electric.
• Three one-off models in collaboration with Giorgio Armani, Bvlgari and Kartell for charity.
• Will feature Level 2 autonomous tech.
• Up to 85kW DC fast charging available.

Spanning over six decades and two generations, the Fiat 500 is renowned in the automotive industry. It is expected to be more sustainable, autonomous and connected with its upcoming third-generation, nicknamed La Prima. The premiere also coincides with the announcement of the Fiat Cinquecento as an Italian Icon and Honorary Member of the Altagamma. Being the symbol for Made in Italy and considered the ambassador for Italian lifestyle around the world, the 500 will join the association that brings together the best companies in the high culture and creative industry that promote Italian excellence around the world, known as the Altagamma.

With fully electric cars, there are usually concerns regarding range and charging time. The new 500 boasts a 42kWh lithium-ion battery with a claimed range of 320km. An 85kW DC fast charger can juice up the battery to 80 percent in 35 minutes. You can get 50km of range by plugging it in for 5 minutes. Just 5 minutes of charge for the average daily drive cycle? That's just like charging your phone!

The interesting aspect though is the choice of driving modes: Sherpa, Normal, and Range. Judging by the names it's easy to guess the functionality of all three, but let's talk a bit more about the Range mode. Engaging it will activate the "one-pedal drive" function wherein only the accelerator pedal has to be worked, producing maximum brake degeneration when disengaged. Of course, the brake pedal has to be used to bring the car to a complete stop especially during emergencies, but need not be used otherwise. With some practice and getting used to, one-pedal driving does sound very convenient. Doesn't it?

Since the 500 harbours a lot of love and fame, three of the FCA stakeholders have decided to collaborate with the brand to make 3 uniquely designed cars which will be auctioned at a charity event. The one-offs, namely the 500 Giorgio Armani, the B.500 "Mai Troppo" by Bvlgari and the 500 Kartell, will all be up for sale at this event. It gets even more exciting, as the proceeds will go to one of Leonardo di Caprio's environmental organisations. The actor has also made an endorsement in the New 500 vision towards sustainability, innovation and creativity.

Urban mobility is the current talk of the automotive town. Granted, with Level 2 Autonomous tech, the 500 is just as urban and cool as it is historic. It gets features such as lane centering, intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (iACC) system which brakes or accelerates in response to cars, cyclists, and pedestrians, intelligent speed assist which reads the speed limits and recommends applying them. There is also the Urban Blind Spot which assists in risks involved with blind spots using ultrasonic sensors, the 360 degree sensors for parking and the Attention Assist.

FCA took the first steps towards electrification of the brand by introducing the 500 and Panda Hybrid vehicles early in February. Powered by the new 3-cylinder FireFly engines supported by a 12V Belt-integrated Starter Generator (BSG), the Mild Hybrid technology in the vehicles claimed to reduce emissions by almost 30 per cent.

Overall, FCA has given us a lot to talk about with the upcoming 500 but more importantly, it has provided us a lot to think about. By prioritising convenience and fast charge solutions it has taken away the mental obstacles in everyone's mind regarding the relatively new technology. It is focused on both sustainability and passenger comfort, without any compromise, while staying true to its heritage. Truly exciting.