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Forklift + Fiat = Inexpensive, Practical Electric 500 (w/ video)

May 6, 2012 by 4 Comments
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Generally speaking, electric versions of cars are more expensive. In some case (*ahem*, Smart) they’re almost laughably expensive. This little Karabag Fiat 500E, however, is not.

Despite being built by an outside company that doesn’t have access to Fiat/Chrysler’s multi-billion dollar R&D departments with limited automotive experience, Karabag‘s little electric Fiat is actually cheaper than “the real thing”. It’s also different from the Fiat version in another way: it’s profitable.

That’s right. By combining the electric drive components that German forklift maker Linde Materials Handling employs to move about its precision workhorses, Karabag has developed a 65 mph EV that is able to deliver 100 km (62 miles) of range from its 11-kWh lithium-polymer batteries AND deliver positive revenue to Karabag, all for just under 300 Euro ($450) per month.

Gotta love that.

You can check out Karabag’s promo video for their 500E, below. Enjoy!

Source: Karabag, via Autoblog.

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Filed Under: Do-it-yourself (DIY), Electric Vehicles, International Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
About Jo Borras

I've been working in motorsports and tuning since 1997, with some the biggest names in the business. In 2008, the work we did on a hybrid/EV concept car attracted the attention of Gas 2 editors, and they invited me to join the team. I couldn't resist!

  • Pingback: Fiat 500 Electric - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com

  • t_

    Ha, it is possible to build a cheap EV! What if the host car is a cheaper than the 500 subcompact car??? Many of the cars in this class, sold in Europe, are cheaper than the Fiat 500. Would that shave another k or two off the price?
    Hope so, and hope to see many more of those in the showrooms.

  • t_

    No, my friends,

    Actually the price of the small Fiat 500 is 35000 EUR. Not so cheap at all. Profitable is good, but…

    • http://importantmedia.org/members/joborras/ Jo Borras

      The price is one thing, but the actual cost to any consumers not paying “cash” (90+ % of new car buyers, in other words) will be the lease price, and that’s well under $450/mo. at current exchange rates … which makes it comparable to a standard finance $20k car, which makes this a VERY affordable car.