The research and development boss of Fiat, Giancarlo Michellone, took quite a gamble back in 1990.
He wanted his company to create its first ever electric car for towns and cities, and as a result its first electric car powertrain was born - the Panda Electtrica.
The technology was first proven using Lancia Y10 prototypes, one of which went on to win Turin’s annual Gran Premio 4e for eco vehicles in 1989.
Michellone’s team took the Fiat Panda – still hugely popular after a decade on sale – and replaced its four-cylinder petrol engine with a 12bhp motor, which intriguingly had regenerative braking but still used the manual gearbox.
The powertrain had one or two issues, however. Despite having a very small capacity, the lead-gel battery pack weighed 350kg and was so large that it filled not only the boot but also the rear passenger area. And it restricted luggage loading to 100kg.
In terms of range, it was good for just 40-60 miles, and the eight-hour charge time was quite poor for such a small battery. Moreover, its actual power reserves were so weak that a petrol burner had to be fitted for cabin heating.
As for performance, regrettably that was laughable too. Top speed was 43mph, it took 10sec to hit 25mph and it couldn’t climb gradients steeper than 20%.
Our colleagues over at Autocar tested in back in August 1991 and reported: “Apart from the uncanny quietness, it is much like driving any other Panda.
“Subjectively, performance seems much better than you might expect, but it will hardly make the hairs on your neck stand on end. But as a town car working in heavy traffic, it gets along well enough.”
Despite Autocar's fondness for its ability to work around town, Fiat took note of its problems and soon fitted the car with a new nickel-cadmium battery for 1992. This made the car twice as powerful, but increased its weight by 400kg. What's more, the powertrain was now fitted to a Cinquecento.
Upon driving the Cinquecento, Autocar's testers said that it was much more difficult to operate than you would want such a small car to be. They said its weight made it "ride like a sledge" and its tyres meant it didn't handle as well as it could.
But what did the public think of it? Giuseppe Giovenzana, a hi-fi dealer, said: “You immediately feel at ease and realise that it’s ideal for moving around in city traffic.”
However, Tobia Di Primio, a taxi driver, said: “Perhaps for the city it’s fine, but for moving quickly even in heavy traffic it lacks the necessary acceleration. You know, we have a different way of driving.”
