Fiat unveils electric quadricycle concept

The Fiat Multiplina, a concept electric quadricycle with four seats, was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show and could potentially reach the market as early as 2028, pending production approval. The vehicle is designed to fill a gap between current electric vehicles and traditional city cars, offering a new option for urban mobility.

Vehicle's size and performance

The Multiplina measures 3.04 meters in length, 1.40 meters in width, and 1.53 meters in height. It aims for a maximum speed of 80 km/h and an autonomy of 120 to 150 kilometers, making it suitable for city driving. It is intended to be classified under the L7e category of heavy quadricycles, which imposes specific regulatory constraints on weight and safety.

Design inspired by Fiat's past

The Multiplina's design draws inspiration from the historic Fiat 600 Multipla, featuring a water droplet silhouette, a two-tone body, and a front "moustache" reminiscent of its ancestor. The design is part of Fiat's Dolce Vita strategy, which emphasizes aesthetic warmth and references to Italian culture, including an orange color inspired by Sicilian orange juice.

Urban mobility with four seats

With four seats in a vehicle barely longer than a Citroën Ami or Fiat Topolino, the Multiplina aims to facilitate urban mobility, particularly in narrow streets and limited parking spaces in European cities. However, the narrow dimensions may impose compromises in shoulder space, while the vehicle's height and advanced cabin design aim to maximize occupant volume.

Electric powertrain and charging

The Multiplina will be exclusively electric, with a powertrain limited to 20 horsepower and a maximum speed of 80 km/h. The autonomy of 120 to 150 kilometers is considered suitable for urban use, potentially allowing for a smaller battery capacity, reducing weight, bulk, and cost. Charging is expected to be limited to domestic socket capacity, similar to the Citroën Ami.

Regulatory and mobility limitations

The L7e classification restricts the Multiplina to departmental and national roads, excluding highways and expressways, which could limit its use for certain trips. However, Fiat suggests the possibility of future regulatory changes that could expand its mobility, opening up more driving scenarios for the vehicle.

Market position and pricing

The European market for heavy electric quadricycles remains limited, but Fiat believes it can find its niche with an original product that meets user needs. The price range is expected to fall between the Fiat Topolino and a future conventional small car, with a clear progression in both price and features.

Production approval pending

The commercialization of the Multiplina remains conditional on production approval, with a potential green light by the end of 2026 allowing for a 2028 launch. The decision to proceed with production is pending validation of sufficient commercial potential, which will determine whether the vehicle moves from concept to reality.