Karabag gives Fiat 500 an electric forklift drivetrain, makes it cheaper than gas version

Karabag has been selling conversions of a few Fiat models for a while now, but a new configuration of the 500, along with a low lease price, could see them moving more out the door. The new Karabag 500e makes use of the same electric drivetrain components that German forklift maker Linde Materials Handling employs to move about its precision workhorses.

The supply arrangement allows the elektrofahrzeug-maker to offer the Italian retro-cute for €34,999 ($46,000 U.S. at today's exchange rates) or lease it for a modest €299 ($393) a month. That price, they say, makes it cheaper to operate than the gas-powered version. (You can see how they calculate that at this Google-translated page from their website).

While the price may be moderate, so is the performance. The new 500e puts out a peak 28 kW (37.55 horsepower) and allows for a top speed of just 105 km/h (65 miles per hour). Acceleration is, um, leisurely, with 50km/h (31 mph) coming 8.5 seconds after lift off. The 11-kWh lithium-polymer battery is said to offer 100 km (62 miles) of range.

Linde has also lent a drivetrain to another vehicle with much (much!) better performance. The Linde E1 electric go kart has made the Guinness Book of Records by accelerating faster to 100 km/h (62 mph) than any battery-powered cart ever before: 3.45 seconds. If only it were street legal.


Source: Press Release