Fiat Topolino Is Officially Coming to the U.S.: Tiny EV Aims to Challenge Golf Carts — and Shock With Its Size

Fiat has officially confirmed that its ultra-compact Topolino EV will soon be sold in the United States. The tiny newcomer is expected to reach American buyers as early as next year, slotting below the current 500e in the brand’s U.S. lineup.

The European-spec Topolino is powered by an 8-horsepower electric motor and tops out at just 28 mph. That may sound modest, but once you compare its footprint to Japan’s well-known kei cars, the new Fiat’s truly miniature proportions become clear. Many dealers already see it as a viable alternative to golf carts—an increasingly popular form of local transportation in American suburbs.

With demand softening for larger models like the Fiat 500X, the company views the Topolino’s arrival as a much-needed opportunity to inject new life into its U.S. sales.

So far, Fiat representatives haven’t shared many specifics, other than confirming that the two-seater will be front-wheel-drive and use an 8-horsepower (6-kW) motor producing 32 lb-ft of torque.

Power comes from a 5.4-kWh battery pack, good for up to 46 miles of range on the WLTP cycle. Performance is exactly what you’d expect: the Topolino accelerates from a standstill to its 28-mph top speed in about 10 seconds, making it ideal for relaxed neighborhood cruising.

Its dimensions are just as surprising. The Topolino measures only 99.8 inches long, with a wheelbase of 68.1 inches. It rides on traditional 14-inch wheels and is nearly 43 inches shorter than the 500e. Park it next to an Escalade or an F-150, and the size contrast becomes almost comical.

Fiat timed the U.S. announcement with a splashy debut: during Miami Art Week, the company revealed an art-car version of the Topolino created with artist Romero Britto.

Called the Brittolino, the one-off features Britto’s signature patterns across the body, a contrasting blue roof, cable-style door straps instead of doors, and unique silver bumpers and decorative wheel covers.

Fiat CEO Olivier François noted that the Topolino has already been spotted on American roads over the past year, sparking plenty of curiosity. In Europe, the model starts at around $8,000, and many U.S. buyers are now eagerly awaiting the launch of Fiat’s newest—and smallest—electric runabout.