Fiat Releases First 500e Images Ahead of LA Spotlight

All of the details surrounding the new 500e are still under embargo until the debut, and as of this writing, Chrysler will only confirm that the car will go on sale in California sometime in 2013. The automaker will also show the car this weekend at the American Music Awards on the "green carpet" this Sunday, November 18.

From what we can see in these photos, the 500e doesn't look vastly different from other Fiat 500 models, save the redesigned lower front fascia (in contrasting white), lower side sills, aero underbody lip, and more wind-friendly wheels presumably wrapped in low rolling-resistance tires. Inside, the Fiat's cabin has been done up in a similar white-and-orange motif. Other changes to the interior include a redesigned gauge cluster and the addition of push-buttons where the normal gear shifter would be.

There has been a lot of buzz surrounding the 500e leading up to its launch, including reports stating that Chrysler is only making the car to appease the folks of California and that the company will lose something in the area of $10,000 on each EV it builds. We'll see how the little electron-eater fares when it launches next year.

Until then, sight tight – we'll have the full skinny on the 500e in the coming weeks. For now, scroll down to read Chrysler's very brief statement.