Stellantis has confirmed plans to bring the all-electric Fiat Topolino to the U.S., introducing one of the smallest EVs the company has ever produced.
Fiat CEO Olivier François said the brand intends to launch the compact electric model in America, adding that “more details [are] to come next year.”
The Topolino has already gained popularity in Europe as a minimalist, low-speed urban mobility vehicle, and its U.S. arrival would mark a significant shift toward micro-EV transportation.
The official timeline for its release has not yet been announced.
Announcement Follows Recent Comments From President Trump
The confirmation comes less than a week after President Donald Trump praised Japan’s compact Kei cars during a meeting at the White House with Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa and several lawmakers.
“They’re very small. They’re really cute,” Trump said during the discussion.
“And I said, ‘How would that do in this country?’ And everyone seems to think ‘good,’ but you’re not allowed to build them.”
Trump said he directed Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to take action that would allow ultra-small vehicles such as Kei-style microcars to be built and legally operated in the U.S.
Under current rules, miniature vehicles can be manufactured domestically, but they must comply with federal safety requirements, speed standards, and other regulatory conditions that often make them difficult to bring to market.
Fiat Says Topolino Launch Not Connected to White House Discussion
A Stellantis representative said the timing of Fiat’s announcement was not influenced by the White House meeting and noted that the company has been quietly assessing consumer interest at U.S. auto shows for months.
The Topolino, meaning “little mouse” in Italian, is technically categorized as an all-electric quadricycle rather than a car.
It has a top speed of around 28 miles per hour and an estimated driving range of up to 75 kilometers on a single charge.
The model is manufactured in Morocco.
A Challenging Market for Small Vehicles
Microcars and compact city vehicles have historically struggled to gain traction in the American market.
The most recent major push came after the 2009 recession, when the Obama administration permitted Fiat to acquire the bankrupt Chrysler in part to introduce small, fuel-efficient vehicles to U.S. consumers.
Fiat re-entered the U.S. in 2011 with the 500 city car, receiving early enthusiasm.
In 2012, the brand sold 43,772 vehicles in America, its best recent performance.
Since then, sales have declined sharply, with roughly 1,500 Fiat vehicles sold across the country last year.
Will the Topolino Find Its Place in the U.S.?
Despite the historical challenges, the U.S. market has shifted toward electrification, compact urban living, and cost-efficient commuting options.
EV adoption has also expanded significantly in many cities, which could help the Topolino appeal to drivers looking for low-cost mobility solutions.
Stellantis has not yet announced pricing, distribution strategy, or expected production volumes for the U.S. version of the Topolino.
More details are expected sometime in 2026.
