In the kingdom of giant pickup trucks, the tiny Fiat Topolino gets its driving license!
The Fiat Topolino continues its journey in the United States. After a first batch that was quickly sold out, the Italian manufacturer has released the 2027 model of its compact electric car. Features include a new convertible version, new colors, and most importantly, road approval built in from the start. All of this for less than $15,000. But highway driving is not an option!
In the United States, where large SUVs and pickup trucks dominate the roads, the Fiat Topolino stands out like an alien vehicle. At 2.53 meters long and with just 8 horsepower, this cousin of the Citroën Ami is clearly not in the same league. Yet it seems to have found its audience across the Atlantic.
Fiat Topolino at $15,000 in the USA
Following its initial launch in 2026, Fiat is already bringing the 2027 model of its compact electric car to the American market. According to Electrek, most dealerships selling this small electric vehicle have quickly sold out their initial stock.
Andrew Waterhouse, Fiat’s director for North America, even says demand has exceeded the manufacturer’s expectations. However, no sales figures have been released. The response has been encouraging enough to continue with this project.
This new version is priced at $14,985, including delivery fees, which is approximately 13,000 euros. This price is significantly higher than that in France, where the Topolino is listed at 9,990 euros in the catalog.
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Three models are now available: the classic Topolino, the Dolce Vita, and a new Open Air version. The latter features a retractable canvas roof paired with fully asymmetrical doors. This setup allows users to enjoy the outdoors without completely giving up a closed body structure.
A certified electric vehicle, but…
The main novelty of this 2027 model year relates to its approval. Unlike the first units sold in 2026, which required the installation of a conversion kit to legally travel on certain American roads, the new Topolinos will be delivered directly in a configuration compliant with Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) regulations. This makes a huge difference for local customers.
Purchasers will no longer need to make any modifications after buying it. This advancement simplifies the process and makes the small electric vehicle immediately usable on permitted roads. Specifically, the small Fiat can travel on roads with a maximum allowed speed of no more than 35 mph, or about 56 km/h, subject to local regulations. However, it is still limited to 25 mph (40 km/h), compared to 45 km/h for the European version. Therefore, highway travel is not possible.
A small EV finding its place among the giants
With such features, Fiat targets short-distance travel, especially in residential areas, beach resorts, and private communities. The manufacturer even offers free home delivery to customers living within 50 miles (80 km) of a participating dealership.
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It remains to be seen whether this initial interest will turn into sustainable commercial success. In a country where distances traveled are generally long, the Topolino will remain a niche vehicle. But its arrival reminds us that even in the United States, electric mobility isn’t limited to large batteries and high-powered vehicles.