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The Fiat 500e has had an odd history in the North American market. The late Sergio Marchionne, who was Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ CEO at the time, once famously asked people to not buy the compact EV. He said every time one was sold, it cost the automaker $14,000. It seemed many listened to his advice, because the Fiat 500e didn’t sell well and was removed from the market in 2019. But at the 2022 Los Angeles Auto Show, Fiat confirmed the new 500e will be offered in North America starting in the first quarter of 2024.
In a way, the announcement isn’t too surprising considering the new Fiat 500e has actually been making the rounds at U.S. auto shows throughout this year. But what we’ve been seeing is the European version, and the North American model will be unveiled at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show. To celebrate its return to the U.S. however, Fiat did bring a trio of customized 500e one-offs that fit right in with the L.A. crowd. Customized by Armani, Kartell, and Bvlgari, Fiat said these unique concepts embody the three souls of the new Fiat 500e: sustainable design, sustainable fashion, and sustainable luxury.
Unfortunately, since the North American Fiat 500e won’t be unveiled until next year, we don’t have official specifications for the compact EV yet. But we do know the European model’s specs, which is 116 horsepower from its electric motor and a 42-kWh battery pack that returns 199 miles on the generous WLTP cycle. We expect the Fiat 500e should have at least an EPA-estimated 150-mile driving range when it comes to North America.
If you’re planning to head to the 2022 L.A. Auto Show, you’ll be able to check out these three unique concepts up close and personal. For those who aren’t able to attend however, here’s a quick breakdown of each concept.
With a name like Giorgio Armani, we’re actually surprised how subdued this custom 500e is. The haute couture house used laser technology to shape the metal covering of the car’s bodywork with exclusive microchevron engraving with the goal of giving the impression of fabric. The result is a two-tone effect to go along with the Armani gray/green silk effect color. The GA logo can be found on the wheel design and the fabric soft top, and the exterior design continues into the cabin. Inside, there’s full-grain natural leather with microchevron wool bands. Open-pore wood and aluminum accents inspired by the Armani/Casa line pays tribute to the infamous luxury brand.
From Kartell comes this one-of-a-kind Fiat 500e, sporting a Kartell blue exterior that was derived from Yves Klein blue. The two brands’ logos can be found on the bodywork through a sandblasted polycarbonate treatment, which gives them a sense of material and depth. But the most symbolic elements on the outside are the components made from polycarbonate recycled from end-of-life parabolic projectors. The material can be found on the front grille, wheels, and mirror caps. Contrasting the exterior, the cabin features warm and cool hues, accented by tactile textile plastics made from 100% recycle polypropylene.
Finally, we have this customized Fiat 500e “Mai Troppo” from Bvlgari. Mai Troppo means “never too much” and this concept lives up to that motto with a saffron-colored pearlescent exterior. The specifically designed wheels have a star design, which is inspired by the historical symbol of Bvlgari. Inside is where things get fancy, with a “Diva” pattern embroidery on the seats and a dashboard featuring Bvlgari silk scarves. Perhaps the shining jewel of the whole build is the removable brooch in the center of the steering wheel, featuring amethyst, topaz, and citrine stones.
Recent updates
Updated (3:36 pm EST, 11/18/2022): Added video walk around of the 3 special edition cars at the LA Auto Show.
Updated (3:58 pm EST, 11/17/2022): Added photos of the three customized Fiat 500es from the 2022 Los Angeles Auto Show.
