Fiat introduces 2013 Fiat 500e EV at LA Auto Show

Fiat unveiled the 2013 Fiat 500e battery-electric version of the Fiat 500 at the Los Angeles Auto Show. A 24 kWh liquid-cooled/heated Li-ion battery powers an 83 kW permanent-magnet, three-phase synchronous drive motor with 147 lb-ft (200 N·m) of torque. With its e-Drive, the 500e offers more than 80 miles of estimated range, with city driving range typically greater than 100 miles. Charge time is less than 4 hour charge time with the Level 2 (240 volt) on-board charging module (OBCM).

The all-electric hatchback delivers an estimated 116 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) city and 100 MPGe highway (186 kmpge and 160 kmpge). As Chrysler Group LLC’s first road-going retail electric vehicle, the Fiat 500e eschews the addition of an “Eco” button as seen on competitive EVs. Eco-buttons deaden throttle-response in exchange for marginal range improvement, the company suggests.

“Isn’t ugliness the worst pollution of all? Fiat is delivering something environmentally sexy,” said Olivier Francois, CMO, Fiat S.p.A.

In keeping with its intended sporty, fun-to-drive character, the Fiat 500e incorporates a “creep” feature, which launches the car as soon as its brake pedal is released, just like a vehicle powered by an idling engine.

The Fiat 500e also offers fingertip-control of its driveline. An array of center-stack-mounted push buttons replaces the conventional shifter and connects the driver with the single-speed gearbox.

Park is enabled by a novel parking mechanism. Powered by an electric motor attached to the single-speed gearbox, the Fiat 500e’s e-Park prawl is activated when the driver pushes the park button. This locks the gearbox in park mode, preventing movement.

When taken out of park, the gearbox enables increased torque output while allowing for lower motor input speeds, an attribute that conserves battery energy and extends range. Further benefiting the refinement, the single-speed gearbox helps maintain the correct installed axle-shaft angles of the driveline.

The 2013 Fiat 500e features a 16.3:1 steering-gear ratio to enhance responsiveness, maneuverability and performance feel. In addition, this electrified Cinquecento features an electronic power steering (EPS) calibration tuned for increased steering response and feedback. In addition, the Fiat 500e’s EPS system is designed to compensate for temporary road crown and crosswind situations where there is a constant push of the car to one side or another, assisting the driver to not have to drive against such a condition.

The Fiat 500e features 2.1-inch (54 mm) diameter single-piston front-brake calipers with larger 11.1-inch (284 mm) (up from 10.1-inch; 257 mm) diameter ventilated rotors for additional braking surface and heat dissipation. The 9.4-inch (240 mm) rear disc-brake system also features single-piston brake calipers.

The Fiat 500e’s regenerative braking controller (RBC) that receives the driver’s brake-pedal input and determines the total amount of brake power requested. Depending on input levels, the RBC is able to adjust the level of friction and regenerative braking instantly.

The 364V battery pack—backed by an 8-year warranty—is housed in the floor of the 500e. It serves both the eDrive motor and vehicle systems, such as HVAC and other electrical accessories tied to the 12-volt battery. Comprising 97 individual cells, the battery features a power-management system designed to monitor and adjust current, cell voltage and operating temperature.

The battery’s four-mode thermal-management system—thermal equalization, passive cooling, active cooling and active heating—maintains optimal operating temperatures, which maximizes driving range and minimizes recharging times. Charging time is less than 4 hours with its Level 2 (240-volt) on-board charging module (OBCM) and 24 hours via Level 1 (120-volt) when fully depleted. The 500e uses an SAE J1772 connector.

The system supplements passive cooling by circulating through the high-voltage battery a blend of ethylene glycol and corrosion inhibitors. This ensures consistent cell-to-cell temperature and boosts battery life.

Passive cooling occurs via the brazed aluminum radiator, which removes heat from the coolant as air enters the front of the vehicle. The radiator also provides cooling benefits for the eDrive motor and Power Inverter Module (PIM).

Subject to accelerator-pedal inputs, the PIM regulates the amount of voltage sent to the eDrive. It does so by converting the battery’s direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC), which powers the drive-motor. In addition, it features an auxiliary power module, which reduces the battery’s high-voltage output to 12 volts to support the standard vehicle electrical system.

Complementing the familiar feel of the Fiat 500e’s “creep” feature, the PIM controls the eDrive and delivers the kind of accelerator-pedal feedback drivers experience with finely tuned conventional powertrains. Apply the accelerator and the car surges; release it and experience a corresponding deceleration. Apply the brakes and the PIM also plays a role. The PIM increases efficiency by using the eDrive to assist with braking.

Behind the steering wheel, an all-new 7-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) display provides increased functionality with more attractive and intuitively delivered information of the power gauge, driving range and state of charge. In addition, the new Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) utilizes its full-color capabilities with the use of picture graphics to illustrate vehicle functions including a trip computer, tire-pressure monitoring and vehicle status messaging system.
The available TomTom navigation pairs with the Fiat 500e’s standard BLUE&ME Handsfree Communication technology and features a 4.3-inch touchscreen display mounted on top of the instrument panel. Below its instrument panel bezel, the 2013 Fiat 500e includes an all-new electronic shifter with easy-to-use, push-button transmission mode selection.

A free PIN-protected app downloaded from the FIAT owner’s website makes trip-planning more convenient. Users can send destinations from their mobile devices directly to the Fiat 500e’s TomTom navigation system. The system will then calculate routes and visually indicate whether the destinations are in range. Charge station locations and their real-time availability also are displayed.

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