Fiat is offering its first electrified models with the 500 Hybrid and the Panda Hybrid. In both mild-hybrid models, a newly developed petrol engine is supported by a belt-driven starter generator.
Fiat MHEV petrol engine
FCA
In both hybrid models, a petrol engine operates in combination with a belt-driven starter generator (BSG). The newly developed 3-cylinder engine with 1.0-litre capacity provides 51 kW (70 HP) of power and offers a maximum torque of 92 N m at 3,500 rpm. Two valves per cylinder are operated via a single chain-driven camshaft, which enables variable control times. Reduced friction, 12:1 compression, and exhaust gas recirculation are designed to increase the efficiency. The 77 kg lightweight engine has an engine block made of high-pressure die-cast aluminium and cylinder liners made of cast iron.
The BSG operates with a 12-volt on-board power supply and feeds the energy into a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 11 A h. The system can recuperate through braking and during overrun and it enables a coasting function while the engine is switched off. The BSG supports the engine during start-up with an output of up to 3.6 kW and takes over the starter motor function during automatic stop-start. The power is transmitted to the front wheels by the six-speed manual gearbox. The Fiat 500 Hybrid and Fiat Panda Hybrid models are on sale from January 2020. As part of their introduction, they will be offered in a special "Launch Edition" with seat covers made from recycled plastic.