Panda and Electrified 500 Debut as Fiat’s First Mild Hybrids

Sale across Europe from February to March

Although the Fiat 500 Hatchback will not be available in 2020 in the United States, it is being offered in Europe. The 500, which is mechanically identical to the Panda, will be the first mild hybrid small car made by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. This is thanks to an electrified gasoline engine.

The new 500 Hybrid Hybrid and Panda Hybrid are powered by the FireFly, 1.0-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine that generates 70 horsepower (51 megawatts). The engine is mated with a 12-volt BSG electric motor (belt-integrated start generator) and a small lithium-battery to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 30% compared to the outgoing unit of 1.2-liter depending on the model.

Panda and Electrified 500 Debut as Fiat's First Mild Hybrids

The new combustion engine is simple in construction. It uses two valves per piston and one chain-driven camshaft that has variable valve timing. The BSG system, which is attached directly to the mill, is controlled by the belt. It also drives the auxiliaries. The system stores energy from braking and acceleration, then re-uses it for engine start-up and acceleration.

The mild hybrid powertrain comes together with a six speed manual gearbox with an “unheard of” sixth gear ratio, which “improves fuel efficiency in out-of town driving.”

Panda and Electrified 500 Debut as Fiat's First Mild Hybrids

The 500 Hybrid will go on sale in February 2020 on select European markets. This is the first step of Fiat’s eMobility strategy. Later this year , Fiat will also launch an all-new all electric 500. The Panda Hybrid will be available for purchase in March 2020. Both models will initially be offered in limited Launch Editions with additional standard equipment.