Fiat has discovered an unusual problem with its small electric car, the Topolino, in the US market. The model originally comes limited to a top speed of just 19 mph (30 km/h), which is too slow to qualify as a “Low-Speed Vehicle” under American rules. To fix this, Fiat is now providing a free upgrade kit that raises the car’s top speed to 25 mph (40 km/h) and adds needed safety features, allowing it to be legally driven on certain public roads.
Why the Speed Upgrade Was Needed
When the Fiat Topolino arrived in US dealerships earlier this year priced at around $14,985, it faced a surprising issue. Federal regulations require four-wheeled low-speed vehicles (LSVs) to have a maximum speed between 20 and 25 mph (32 to 40 km/h) to be used on public roads with speed limits up to 35 mph. The stock Topolino’s speed of 19 mph fell short of the minimum, disqualifying it from using this category and limiting where it could be driven.
To meet the rules, Fiat decided to remove the speed limiter via a software update, raising the top speed to 25 mph. This change alone wasn’t enough. The car also had to include features like a rearview camera with a screen in the rearview mirror, pedestrian alert sounds, proper regulatory markings, and a valid VIN for registration. Many safety essentials like turn signals, seat belts, and lights were already standard.
Free Kit and Dealer Support
Fiat is covering the full cost of this upgrade and reimbursing dealers for installation labor. Andrew Waterhouse, head of Fiat USA, confirmed the company absorbs the expense to give buyers the choice between a private-use version and a road-legal LSV model. This approach helps avoid confusing customers with a car that is technically too slow for road use under federal law.
Even with the speed increase, the Topolino is limited to roads with speed limits no higher than 35 mph, and some US states, including Delaware, Hawaii, and Maryland, ban LSVs from public roads altogether. This means the Topolino is still mostly intended for very specific use cases.
Topolino’s Role in the US Market
The Topolino is not positioned as a mainstream urban electric car in the US. With a range of about 74 km (46 miles), Fiat targets it at gated communities, large resorts, private estates, and places where golf carts are common—especially in states like Florida and Arizona. The initial US launch is limited, with just 300 units expected to arrive as Fiat gauges demand.
Interestingly, the brand has heard of customers interested in customizing their Topolinos to resemble luxury sports cars like Ferraris, showing some unexpected appeal for personalization.
More details about the uptake and potential wider US availability will likely emerge as the Topolino gains more presence in American neighborhoods.
Source: italpassion.fr