Italy’s People Car
The original Fiat Topolino (Italian for Little Mouse) originated from Italy’s need during the late ‘30s to build its own ‘People’s Car.’ Its conception came from a mandate by then-leader Benito Mussolini, who instructed a young Dante Giacosa to design a car that would be affordable and practical. It first came out in 1936 and continued its run up until the late 50s, selling over 500,000 units in almost 20 years on the market.
Fiat has revived the Topolino name – it’s currently a tiny city EV set to redefine the in-city EV mobility landscape. It has since become a very famous car, and now the new Topolino EV has earned a rather prestigious accolade.
Stellantis
Best Inventions 2026
Time Magazine just released its list of 2026’s Best Inventions, and the Topolino EV is included. Specifically, the Fiat Topolino EV was included in the Design category, earning international recognition for its distinctive approach to urban mobility. The Topolino combines the cool and chic Italian retro design with electric simplicity and everyday practicality.
It only has a top speed of 25 mph (you can get a kit for more speed), but its in-city design means that it’s perfect for zipping around town for small errands, according to the magazine. It isn’t just an icon for the sake of it; the Topolino EV has since become a top seller for Fiat, becoming the European market leader in the electric quadricycle segment in 2025. In fact, for 2026 it remains the best-selling model of the segment. The Topolino EV has a strong market presence in Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, and Switzerland, and has achieved the number one position in France since July. Fiat says that the Topolino’s success proves that there’s a market for small, practical, but stylish EVs.
Fiat
Small Vehicle, Big Idea
Arnaud Belloni, CEO of FIAT, Abarth and Lancia, and Chief Marketing Officer for Europe at Stellantis, says that the Topolino proves a small vehicle can carry a big idea.
“At FIAT, we have always believed that mobility should be a source of freedom and enjoyment. Topolino brings that philosophy to a new generation, combining the charm of Italian design with a simple, smart solution for everyday life. Seeing TIME recognise this vision is a source of great pride for all of us, and a wonderful acknowledgment of the creativity that has always made FIAT special,” Belloni added.
Fiat’s plan with the Topolino has paid off, offering it as a dual-purpose vehicle. One that can happily and safely tool around small gated communities, and also be road legal to take out on the open road. Not to mention the price: at around $15,000, it is competitive against other quadricycles on the market.
Fiat
