About Fiat Topolino
The Topolino is a legendary nameplate in Fiat's history, credited by many as the car that saved the Italian brand after World War II. As a result, the carmaker considered bringing it back on the market as an EV in 2023. Just like the 500 Topolino that Fiat made between 1936 and 1955 in more than 500,000 units, the 2023 Topolino was affordable, practical, and easy to use by anyone. In addition, in selected countries, the vehicle could be rented and driven even by people who didn't have a driving license.
Being part of a big automotive group such as Stellantis came with its perks, and one of them was the advantage of shared technology. The micro-vehicle was a badge-engineered Citroen Ami or Opel Rocks. It was not even considered an actual car but an electric quadricycle aimed at customers who needed affordable transportation inside cities. It took the concept of building cheaply at a higher level. Innovative engineering and planning allowed the automaker to create the Topolino/Ami/Rocks with fewer body parts than a regular one. For instance, both doors were molded in the same press. That's why one was hinged at the front while the other was in the back. But Fiat adapted the vehicle's look according to its design language. As a result, the front fascia resembled the old Fiat 500 from the '50s, featuring round headlights and a silver bumper. At the back, the quadricycle had a panel that sported vertical taillights and, as an option, an external rack for a suitcase. But the Italian automaker went even further with personalizing the vehicle. Apart from the canvas folding roof, it offered the possibility to drive the Topolino with the doors removed and passengers secured just by the seat belts and a rope hung between the A- and B-pillars. Worth mentioning that all body panels were made out of composite materials.
The Topolino offered room for two occupants, just like its French and German siblings. Unlike those, it featured padded plastic seats. In front of the driver, the Italian automaker installed a small digital display fitted into a cluster resembling the 1957 Fiat 500 dashboard's design. In addition, customers could install a speaker or a fan plugged-in into a USB socket. There was no infotainment system in the vehicle. Still, customers could use their smartphones along with a dedicated app for that. It could've been connected via the same USB port for accessing more data provided by the quadricycle's onboard computer.
The electric quadricycle was a European vehicle category that allowed anyone over 14 years old to drive them on public roads. In addition, these vehicles had a capped maximum speed of 45 kph (28 mph). Thanks to its 6 kW (8HP) motor, the Topolino had no problem reaching that speed. The battery pack provided 5.5 kWh of energy, enough to provide a range of up to 75 km (47 miles).