Fiat New 500, Owner'S Handbook Manual, Page: 17 / 320

15
OPERATING
PRINCIPLE
The propulsion system of the New 500
is completely powered by the energy
contained in the high-voltage lithium-
ion rechargeable battery of the car.
Unlike conventional or hybrid cars,
there is no internal combustion engine
in this car.
The New 500 uses the electrical energy
stored in the high-voltage battery
and not fuel. This battery provides
the energy needed to start moving
and therefore needs to be recharged
before use. If the high-voltage battery is
completely flat the car will not start.
This car also has a 12V battery of the
same type as those used by cars with
internal combustion engines. If the 12V
battery is completely flat the car will not
start.
The 12V battery supplies power to the
conventional electrical system: lights,
windscreen wipers, restraint systems
(airbags and pretensioners), sound
system, etc.
The high-voltage battery supplies
power to the electric motor and
supplies the high-voltage auxiliary
devices (heaters, electric climate
compressor, etc.). The electronic
converter that powers the 12V system
for general car operation is also
powered by the high-voltage battery
and also recharges the 12V battery.
The battery is charged by connecting
the charging socket of the car to the
mains power supply using the charging
cable. The battery is charged by
connecting the charging socket of the
car to the mains power supply using
the charging cable.
The high-voltage battery is also
partially recharged while driving during
deceleration or braking. During this
steps, the battery is recharged by
regeneration via the electric motor. This
is an efficient way of recharging as the
kinetic energy of the car is used and
converted into electric charging energy.
Electric cars have specific
characteristics of use, which is useful
to know, in order to achieve optimal
performance.
This car respects the environment
because it does not emit exhaust
gases and therefore has zero CO2
emissions.