Summertime and many EVs on the road

[RobertArthur]

Hotrodder, might a different colour perhaps make you change your mind?

[Hotrodder]

Much better!

[RobertArthur]

Introduced in 2023, the electric Fiat Topolino - a two seater - has a top speed of 45 km/h and offers a range of up to 75 km. Also available in several Mediterranean colours. The same name ast "the" Topolino, introduced in 1936 and produced until 1955. To be succeeded by the Fiat 500.

[L Austin France]

Citroen do a similar 'thing'.
I wonder what the crash ratings are.
Probably doesn't go fast enough to do a lot of damage on it's own but every other car on the road is a potential battering ram when these things are crawling along.

[RobertArthur]

With the 30 km/h speed limit being introduced in more and more towns and villages, this is gradually becoming less of a problem. However, the average weight of other road users – whether hybrid or fully electric – continues to increase. So even if there is a small crumple zone built in, you remain very vulnerable.

The electric Fiat Topolino has not been officially crash-tested by Euro NCAP because it is classified as a light quadricycle (L7e category) rather than a full passenger car. with a top speed of 45 km/h. This reduces high-speed impact risks. However, unsafe at any speed as soon as you meet heavy SUVs ot trucks. It has a basic tubular frame. Seatbelts are standard, but no airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS) or crumple zones typical of standard cars. Prohibited from highways and fast dual carriageways.

[DaveW]

Lots of school kids in these parts use them to get to and from school. To be honest although they are relatively slow, in general the kids seem to be responsible/sensible. I would much rather have one of my grandkids on 4 wheels rather than a mobylette or electric bike.
My friends granddson had one in his senior years in school and breezed through his full test.
They aren’t cheap, though.

[Hotrodder]

Neither are the sans permis cars that are also speed restricted. Many years ago there was a dealer display of new Aixam models. Price for a new one? €11,000! No thankyou.

[curtis]

I think the insurance is fierce, too.

[Blaze]

They're very popular round here with the kids and I've never seen one badly driven. There are loads of the Fiat and Citroen versions - I love them ! Yes, they're slow, but infinitely preferable to some lunatic on a scooter. I would hope that the kids that drive them will learn a lot and hopefully becole better drivers when they graduate to "grown-up cars".

[RobertArthur]

A new generation of small electric cars, also a quadricycle and a tricycle car. A review of the electric Fiat Topolino, including a missing reference to the original Topolino.