2013 Fiat 500 EV Confirmed for U.S. Debut in 2012

Just the Facts:

• Chrysler will launch the 2013 Fiat 500 electric vehicle in the U.S. in 2012.
• Final plans have not yet been disclosed for the gasoline version of the Fiat 500.
• Pricing will be announced closer to launch.

AUBURN HILLS, Michigan — With the 2011 Nissan Leaf and the 2011 Chevrolet Volt in the crosshairs, Chrysler on Monday confirmed that it will launch the 2013 Fiat 500 electric vehicle in the U.S. sometime in 2012.

The announcement is somewhat surprising, given that Chrysler has not completely spelled out what it has in mind for the North American version of the Fiat 500 with a gasoline engine. That vehicle will make its debut later this year and will be manufactured in Toluca, Mexico. The automaker has yet to announce pricing on the Fiat 500.

In phone conversation with Inside Line on Monday, Chrysler spokesman Rick Deneau was unable to provide specifics on the Fiat 500 EV. "I haven't got any information on range or price," Deneau said. He also said he could not comment on where the Fiat 500 EV will be built.

In a statement, Chrysler said that "pricing will be announced closer to launch, but will be competitive with similar electric vehicles in the market." In that case, it is likely that the Fiat 500 EV will come in at around $30,000. The Nissan Leaf, its closest competitor, is expected to be priced at around $30,000, minus a $7,500 federal tax credit for the first 200,000 units. The reservation process for the Leaf kicks off in April, with the car due out in select markets in December.

Chrysler will play a pivotal role in the development of the Fiat 500 EV, said Deneau. "This speaks to the speed of [Chrysler and Fiat] working quickly together on something," he said.

The Fiat 500 EV powertrain will be made up of three main systems: a high-power electric powertrain module, an advanced lithium-ion battery and an EV control unit to manage power flows.

One Chrysler insider, who did not want to be named, said that the Fiat 500 EV demonstrates the power of the Chrysler-Fiat alliance. "The alliance brought forward a candy store of options for us," he said. "We didn't have a vehicle that was as small and light as the Fiat 500 [an A-segment vehicle]." But such a vehicle is perfect for electrification, he pointed out.

Inside Line says: Your options for an EV in the near future continue to grow, thanks to Chrysler's announcement about the Fiat 500 EV. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent