Fiat 500 EV to Use SB LiMotive Li-Ion Battery Packs

Fiat has big plans for its U.S. market return, with the company establishing a complex development strategy in order to conquer American customers. One of the vehicles that will show U.S. customers what the new Fiat game is all about is the Fiat 500EV, which is scheduled to reach showrooms across America in 2012.

The electric version of the 500 will be developed by Chrysler, which handles electrification plans for both its own and Fiat vehicles. Now, SB LiMotive, a joint-venture between Samsung SDI and Bosch, is announcing that it will supply the lithium-ion battery packs for the Fiat 500EV.

“Chrysler indicated that SB LiMotive earned this business because we can supply high-quality lithium-ion battery packs in the quantities needed, on-time to the market. Additionally, SB LiMotive has the technical expertise Chrysler will require as it launches this important program. Our established global footprint was a further strong point in our favor. We look forward to partnering with Chrysler in bringing this exciting new vehicle to market,” said Dr. Joachim Fetzer, Executive Vice President of SB LiMotive.

The battery packs are being developed in Orion, Michigan, while the battery cells will be produced in Korean and the battery packs will be assembled in Springboro, Ohio.

“In an effort to intensify the benefits of the alliance between Chrysler LLC and Fiat Group in electrification of powertrain, Fiat 500EV will be an outstanding example. The Fiat 500 is a small, lightweight platform perfect for integrating electric-vehicle technology. Chrysler is the vehicle electrification center of competence for both Chrysler LLC and the Fiat Group,” stated the press release.