In large cities, electric 45-kilometer cars seem to be on the rise in recent years. Even a major player like Stellantis sees potential in them and sells the retro-like Fiat Topolino, among others. Is this a serious alternative to the ordinary car?
So it’s a moped car?
In recent decades, the moped car, or the 45-kilometer car, has become a common sight in the Dutch street scene. Aixam and Ligier are well-known brands, but under the banner of urban mobility, many electric alternatives have emerged in recent years. The Italian Birò is probably the best example of this, although car manufacturers are also getting involved. For example, Mobilize, founded by Renault in 2021, sells the Duo, a vehicle that looks a lot like the Twizy. Stellantis has also been busy, as the carmaker has developed its own model available in three flavors. In addition to the Opel Rocks Electric and the Citroën Ami, there is the more retro-oriented Fiat Topolino. These simple city cars are not cheap, however, with the Topolino starting at €9,890. Not so long ago, you could buy a full-fledged car in the A-segment for that money. Although it is also thousands of euros less than what you pay for a conventional moped car.
But it looks like a Fiat 500, right?
The exterior of the Fiat Topolino shares many similarities with the original Fiat 500. For example, both models have small, round headlights with chrome-colored surrounds and separate turn signals hanging at an angle below them. The chrome bumpers and vertical taillights are also fairly similar. Above the headlights of the Topolino, you can even see the shape of a front hood, again a nod to the classic model. The 14-inch hubcaps, round side mirrors, and luggage rack complete the retro look, although you have to pay around €300 extra for the latter accessory. As for colors, there is little to choose from with the Topolino; the plastic body is only available in the light green Verde Vita.
What’s it like inside?
Although the Topolino has its own look on the outside, the interior shares many parts with the other two Stellantis products. For example, the buttons on the dashboard, the luggage nets, and many of the plastic parts. Unique to the Topolino are the trim around the instrument panel, the white-colored bag hook, and the striped storage case on top of the dashboard. Although it all looks very hip, the finish leaves something to be desired. It almost seems as if the same hard plastic from the body has been extended to the interior in a different color. The dashboard, steering wheel, and door panels, among other things, therefore feel rather cheap. Of course, you shouldn’t compare the Topolino to a luxury SUV, but you still pay almost ten thousand for it without extra accessories.
What, for example, is ‘not car’ about it?
For those used to traveling in a normal car, the Fiat Topolino is quite an experience. It starts with the locks; there is no central locking system. Also, the key for the doors does not fit in the ignition, so you need a different one for that. It is striking that both sides of the Topolino are essentially the same; the doors open in opposite directions. Only the driver’s seat is (manually) adjustable, the passenger sits in the rear position as standard. After starting the electric motor, you choose the correct gear on the dashboard (reverse, neutral, drive). So there is no P-position, but there is an old-fashioned handbrake. When you press the power pedal, the front-wheel-drive Topolino needs ten seconds to reach the top speed of 45 km/h.
But fine for Amsterdam, right?
To test the city car, we decide to go to Amsterdam. Nowadays, you see many electric 45-kilometer cars driving around there, because the municipality is conducting a trial with an attractive parking permit for ’emission-free moped cars’. This permit is not tied to a zone, so you can park anywhere in the city for a fixed fee. With a vehicle like the Topolino, you just have to pay parking fees and there are more rules to adhere to. For example, you are not allowed to ride on the bike path and you can get in with a moped license from the age of sixteen. In the city, the 471-kilogram Topolino is like a fish in water. The small electric motor hums happily and with 8.5 hp you surprisingly keep up well in the busy traffic. With a length of 2.54 meters and a width of 1.4 meters, you fit almost anywhere and parking is a breeze. Turning is also no problem, because the Topolino has a very small turning circle. You have to pay attention, because the side mirrors offer little overview and there is no interior mirror. The Topolino is also a bit old-fashioned; for example, the stem of the turn signals does not automatically return and the lower part of the split windows, just like the Citroën 2CV, opens upwards. Speaking of windows; the glass panoramic roof is indispensable. The upright windshield is quite far from you, so when you are at the traffic light, you often have to look through the skylight to see if the light is already green. There is more to complain about that windshield, because the wiper misses an important part of the window.
Is it an alternative to the train?
During a recent train strike, we decided to leave the natural habitat of the Topolino to commute from Amsterdam to Utrecht. The distance is about forty kilometers and with a stated range of 75 kilometers, we do not expect to have to load along the way. Charging itself takes four hours via a 220-volt plug in the right side panel, although there is also an adapter for an AC charging station available for around €350.
Where are you allowed and not allowed to drive?
Highways are forbidden territory with the Topolino and we are also not allowed on some inner roads. Eventually we find a suitable route along the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal, with which we will reach our destination in about an hour via Abcoude, Breukelen and Maarssen. Outside the built-up area, the Topolino clearly feels less at home. For example, the humming of the electric motor becomes quite irritating after a number of kilometers, especially because of the speed limiter that you are constantly up against. Also, due to the relatively low top speed, you are sometimes a moving road block on the busy inner roads. While motorists rush past, you become very aware of your own vulnerability. The Topolino has three-point seat belts, but safety features such as airbags and ABS are missing. We navigate during the ride with a smartphone, which in the Topolino also serves as an infotainment screen. It is a pity that the corresponding holder on the dashboard has trouble keeping the phone in place. In the city, the comfort of the Topolino is sufficient, but outside it is a bit disappointing. The suspension is relatively stiff; you especially notice that with thresholds and bumps in the road surface. The seats are also quite hard, which causes discomfort during such a long seat. When we finally drive into Utrecht, the Topolino is immediately back in its element. That is not surprising, because it was ultimately developed for use in the city. If you sometimes want to drive a little further than that, it is probably wiser to spend the money on a good used car.
