Fiat goes all-electric

General Guides  Low Emission Vehicles 

Somebody had to be first, and now we know who. Fiat has just announced the removal of all non-electrified vehicles from sale in the UK. From 01 July 2022 the entire Fiat range will only be available in electrified forms, from hybrids to fully electric cars.

Manufacturers have been working on electrifying their ranges ahead of the ban on sales of new petrol and diesel models at the end of the decade, and most of them are already prepared for the change. Fiat clearly isn't prepared to wait.

Last year saw the biggest annual increase in electric vehicle registrations in the UK. An 88% increase in EV registrations, and around 60% more hybrids, clearly shows the public aren't really waiting until 2030 either. More than 60% of Fiat's line-up was already electrified so you could choose at least one low emission version of each model. Now it's taken the final step and gone 100% electrified.

Which is great news if you're thinking of leasing a Fiat because now you know you're definitely getting the most efficient version available.

Fiat's path to electrification began with the 500 Hybrid and Panda Hybrid, continued with the fully electric 500, and followed most recently by the new 500X and Tipo Hybrid. That's a fair amount of choice across the range and unless you've got a dozen children to ferry around there's probably a suitable Fiat in there for you.

The current Fiat 500 is the first fully electric Fiat designed from the ground up. As well as being cool and cute and great fun to drive, it also offers a lot of technology, a choice of battery options (24kWh or 42kWH) and a substantial driving range of up to 199 miles (WLTP) – more than enough for a life in the city. It's the best-selling city car in 11 countries for a reason.

The line-up also includes hybrid versions of the second-generation 500 and the Panda. Both see their basic 1.2-litre engines replaced by an all-new electrified 1.0-litre unit. The engine is a naturally aspirated three-cylinder that's paired with a 12-volt belt-integrated starter generator and an 11Ah battery to boost efficiency.





In February, Fiat also announced the arrival of the new 500X and Tipo Hybrid to complete the electrification of its line-up.

Available as a hatchback or cabrio, the 500X Hybrid also introduces a new 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The exterior look has been refreshed, with the front featuring the new ‘500' logo, while the rear includes dynamic ‘FIAT' lettering. Two design cues that make the 500X even more contemporary and a bit more connected to the look and feel of the electric 500.

The Tipo Hybrid fits into the line-up of a model that offers a bit more space and practicality than a 500 or Panda might.

A hatchback is always a practical choice as it offers a great compromise, making it the epitome of the family car but still offering a great driving experience. As well as the benefits of the hybrid system, The Fiat Tipo Hybrid also comes with heated front seats, keyless entry and go, and blind spot assist as standard.

Following the announcement, Greg Taylor, Fiat and Abarth UK Managing Director, commented: “This step in Fiat's history marks a pivotal point in our commitment to providing affordable and sustainable mobility solutions for all of our customers. The move lends itself to our vehicles which are suited to urban areas, spearheaded by the popularity of the New 500.”

Roughly translated that means Fiat makes great small cars that are perfectly suited for modern urban living, and now there's another very good reason to lease one.

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