CEO Sergio Marchionne Confirms 2012 Production of Electric Fiat 500

Chrysler CEO, Sergio Marchionne, confirmed that the electric Fiat 500 will officially enter the production cycle in late 2012.

Since its pre-bankruptcy days, Chrysler has promised the launch of an electric vehicle—including the audacious Dodge Circuit sports EV, an electric minivan, and plug-in pickup. But so far nothing production-ready has emerged. Ever since the unveiling of the Fiat 500 Elettra concept at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, we've been waiting for official confirmation that the electric hatchback would become a reality. Now, we've stumbled across a tweet that confirms its 2012 launch.

On February 4, Sergio Marchionne, Chrysler's chief executive officer, confirmed that the US automaker is developing an electric Fiat 500. For the record, Marchionne tweeted:

"At Chrysler, we are working on an electric version of the Fiat 500 that we’ll begin manufacturing later this year."

Marchionne's tweet hit the webosphere during the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Convention and Expo—an annual automotive dealers conference held in Las Vegas.

Expect the 2013 Fiat 500 electric hatchback to feature a motor that cranks out close to 100 horsepower, and sport a battery pack that's capable of returning between 80 and 100 miles or real-world range. The electrified 500 has been spotted testing on public roads, but not much is known of the electric Cinquecento. Absent are production numbers and price, which are two of the most important factors in determining Fiat's actual electric vehicle intentions.