(April 14, 2013) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Fiat North America is helping to make it easy for California residents to purchase or lease the all-new 2013 Fiat 500e when the electric vehicle (EV) goes on sale in the Golden State this summer.

The Fiat brand's 500e retail plan addresses concerns that have typically prevented some consumers from purchasing or leasing EVs in the past, including initial purchase price, driving range, and the unfamiliarity with charging and operating an EV.

"With unique Italian style, industry-best highway MPGe rating and class-leading combined driving range, we know we have a great car in our hands," said Tim Kuniskis Head of Fiat Brand North America. "Now our task is to simplify the customer's experience and make sure that people know how easy and affordable it can be to own our electric Cinquecento."

If you thought that purchasing or leasing an EV would come with a hefty premium, think again. The 500e will be offered to California residents at launch with a $199 a month/$999 due at signing lease for 36 months, same as the current lease offer on a Fiat 500 Pop powered by a gas engine.

The Fiat 500e is priced at $32,500 which includes a $700 destination charge. However, eligible California residents may be able to purchase the 500e for as low as $20,500, after federal credits, state incentives and Fiat rebates are included. That's about $200 less than the current starting price of a comparably-equipped Fiat 500 Lounge with a gas engine.

Alternative Transportation Program

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) testing has indicated that, when fully charged, the Fiat 500e will travel about 87 miles, which is best-in-class and better than all U.S.-market all-electric vehicles produced by high-volume manufacturers.

For those times when a 500e customer needs to drive beyond the vehicle's range or needs the carrying capability of a larger vehicle, the Fiat 500e retail plan provides an alternative transportation plan called the Fiat 500e Pass program.

The Fiat brand and Enterprise Holdings, owner and operator of the Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Alamo Rent A Car, and National Car Rental brands, partnered on the Fiat 500e Pass program, which provides purchasers and lessees of a new 500e up to 12 days of alternate transportation each year for the first three years after the date of purchase.

The Fiat 500e Pass program is offered by Fiat exclusively in the U.S. to 500e customers as a standard feature. Through the program 500e customers will have access to vehicles such as the gas-powered Fiat 500, the coming Fiat 500L, the all-new Dodge Dart or the Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan. In addition, customers will have the flexibility to upgrade to a larger vehicle such as a minivan or a pickup truck subject to terms of the program.

"This innovative idea from the Fiat brand and Enterprise Holdings will provide purchasers of a new 500e with the opportunity to enjoy the exciting characteristics of this all-electric vehicle while giving them a flexible alternative in case they want to drive beyond the vehicle's range," said Kuniskis. "By addressing upfront the concerns and anxiety consumers may have about purchasing an electric vehicle, we are helping to make it easy and convenient to purchase or lease a Fiat 500e in the state of California."

The program will be valid at any Enterprise, Alamo or National car rental location throughout the U.S. Enterprise has more than 6,200 locations in the U.S. making the use of the Fiat 500e Pass easy and convenient for Fiat's customers.

When purchasers of a new 500e enroll in the Fiat 500e Pass program, Enterprise will provide them with an account number. For the first three years after purchase, each unique customer account will be allocated enough credits on the anniversary of their purchase date to cover the cost of 12 days of alternate transportation. The Fiat 500e Passes include unlimited mileage on eligible vehicles.

The 500e owner only has to choose an eligible vehicle and the expense of the vehicle and the applicable taxes will be covered subject to the terms and conditions of the program. Customers may choose to upgrade to a larger vehicle by utilizing additional credits or by separately paying for the difference.