Fiat has officially announced the arrival of its electric microcar, the Topolino, in the United States. During an event in Miami, Olivier Francois, CEO of Fiat, confirmed that this two-door, two-seater vehicle will soon be available, marking a significant expansion for the brand in the American market. Currently, Fiat offers only one model in the U.S., the 500e electric city car, but the addition of the Topolino is set to double its American portfolio.
The Topolino, which translates to “little mouse” in Italian, measures less than 100 inches in length. This compact size positions it as an ideal candidate for a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV). Francois expressed enthusiasm about the car’s popularity in Europe, stating, “The Fiat Topolino, our small, joyful, colorful car that is now everywhere in Europe, has made several appearances in the U.S. over the past year, including last month at the LA Auto Show, where it’s creating tremendous excitement among consumers.” He indicated that further details about its U.S. launch will be revealed next year.
The announcement follows recent comments made by former President Donald Trump regarding the potential for automakers to introduce smaller vehicles, specifically Japan’s Kei cars, into the U.S. market. A spokesperson for Stellantis, Fiat’s parent company, clarified that the decision to bring the Topolino to the U.S. is unrelated to Trump’s remarks.
Unveiled in 2023, the Fiat Topolino is classified as an electric quadricycle and shares its platform with the Citroen Ami and the Opel Rocks Electric. It is equipped with a modest 5.4-kilowatt-hour battery that powers a front-mounted electric motor, delivering a mere 8 horsepower (6 kilowatts). The battery can be fully charged in approximately four hours using a standard 240-volt outlet, providing a range of 46 miles (75 kilometers) under the World Motorcycle Test Cycle. Its top speed is capped at 28 miles per hour (45 kilometers per hour).
In some European nations, the Topolino can be legally driven by individuals as young as 14, while others permit drivers from the age of 16. This raises questions about the vehicle’s potential appeal in the U.S., where driving regulations differ. Nevertheless, it is plausible that Fiat plans to market the Topolino as an NEV, which would be well-suited for urban environments like Miami or Los Angeles, where low-speed electric vehicles are increasingly common.
In Europe, the Topolino is priced at approximately $11,500 (9,900 Euros) before any incentives. However, Fiat has not yet disclosed the expected pricing for the U.S. market. While the introduction of the Topolino may be an exciting prospect, it remains to be seen how it will impact Fiat’s sales figures, which were around 1,500 vehicles sold in the U.S. last year. The segment for 40-mile electric vehicles may not significantly alter that number.
As the automotive industry evolves and urban driving needs change, the Fiat Topolino’s entry into the American market could signal a new chapter for small electric vehicles. With its unique design and compact dimensions, it offers an alternative for those looking for a practical, eco-friendly option in crowded city environments.
