Economy

Fiat is expanding its range of the electric Topolino quadricycle with the introduction of a new “Corallo” (Coral) color option, alongside the existing “Verde Vita” (Lime Green). The update, announced Friday, also includes a larger, upgraded digital instrument cluster.

Orders for the new Corallo Topolino opened February 13, coinciding with the days leading up to Valentine’s Day, according to Fiat. The company is positioning the vehicle as a playful and affordable option for urban mobility.

The new color choice aims to add vibrancy to the Topolino’s aesthetic, building on the model’s existing appeal as a symbol of light, fun, and sustainable transportation. Fiat describes the Corallo shade as a “warm, optimistic, sun-kissed tone” that embodies Italian style.

Alongside the new color, Fiat has upgraded the Topolino’s digital instrument cluster, increasing its size from 3.5 inches to 5.7 inches, with a total area of 8.3 inches. The new cluster features simplified graphics and enhanced readability, intended to improve the driving experience.

The Topolino has proven popular in Europe, achieving a 20% market share in the quadricycle segment in 2025. The vehicle’s compact size, fully electric powertrain, and ease of parking have contributed to its success. It has a maximum speed of 28 mph and a range of up to 46 miles on a single charge.

Fiat plans to launch the Topolino in the United States in 2026, classifying it as a low-speed vehicle (LSV) suitable for use in neighborhoods and on campuses where speed limits are 28 mph or less. Pricing for the Topolino currently ranges between $11,500 and $12,000.

The Topolino is powered by an 8 hp motor and a 5.4 kWh battery. It can be fully charged in approximately four hours using a standard AC outlet. The vehicle measures just under 10 feet long and features a front-wheel drive, single-speed automatic transmission.

A Swedish homeowner was billed 2,242 kronor – approximately $215 USD – for a single hour of electricity consumption, a case highlighting the financial impact of a new electricity tariff structure taking effect across the country. The charge, reported by Börskollen, underscores growing concerns among electric vehicle (EV) owners about the rising cost of charging during peak demand.

The new tariff, known as the “effektavgift” (effect fee), shifts the financial burden of electricity network costs from total energy consumption to peak demand. Rather than being charged solely on the total kilowatt-hours (kWh) used, households will now pay based on their highest power draw during a billing period. This means simultaneous employ of high-energy appliances – such as heat pumps, ovens, and EV chargers – can significantly increase costs.

Mats Norrman, a product specialist at Svedea bil, a Swedish insurance company, explained that the timing of electricity usage is now critical. “Many EV owners charge their cars immediately after work, often at the same time other energy-intensive equipment is running,” Norrman said. “This behavior can quickly lead to a high peak demand, which in turn increases network costs for the entire month.”

The effect fee is being implemented as EV adoption continues to rise across Sweden. According to a Svedea analysis, the number of EVs is increasing in many regions of the country, indicating sustained consumer interest. However, the new tariff structure poses a challenge for EV owners seeking to manage their electricity bills.

The impact is particularly acute for homeowners. Dagens.se reports that villa owners with EVs are especially vulnerable to higher network fees if charging coincides with other significant energy demands. A typical home EV charger can draw 7-11 kW, adding substantially to peak load.

To mitigate the impact of the effect fee, Norrman recommends scheduling EV charging during off-peak hours, such as overnight. He also suggests utilizing a charging station with load balancing capabilities. Load balancing automatically adjusts the charging rate based on the household’s overall electricity consumption, preventing a surge in peak demand.

All Swedish electricity network companies are required to implement the effect fee by January 1, 2027, though many have already begun doing so. The new system is designed to encourage more efficient energy use and reduce strain on the electricity grid, but the financial consequences for consumers, particularly EV owners, are becoming increasingly apparent.

Nearly one million tons of carbon dioxide have been avoided in Europe thanks to the growing adoption of electric trucks, even though they currently represent only 2.6% of the commercial vehicle fleet, according to data released Wednesday.

The figures, analyzed on February 21, 2026, demonstrate that the shift towards road freight electrification is yielding results that surpass even the most optimistic projections from regulatory bodies. The impact is particularly pronounced in long-haul fleets, where each electric vehicle replacing a diesel counterpart offers immediate atmospheric benefits.

The transport sector is a major contributor to European carbon emissions, but advancements in battery technology are enabling increasingly efficient electric operation. Pioneering companies have shown that electric fleets can emit up to 6.25 times less carbon dioxide – measured “Tank-to-Wheel” – than comparable diesel fleets.

The transition is gaining momentum, with Chinese manufacturers beginning to export electric trucks alongside established European brands like MAN, Mercedes, and Iveco. A recent analysis reveals an 84% reduction in CO2 emissions when comparing the operational lifecycle of an electric truck to a diesel model. This cost-benefit analysis is driving discussion in logistics company boardrooms across the continent.

The efficiency of electric trucks stems from their superior energy performance. While traditional combustion engines lose a significant portion of energy as heat, electric motors utilize nearly all battery power for propulsion. On average, a modern electric truck consumes around 110 kWh per 100 kilometers under moderate load, compared to the equivalent of over 350 kWh required by a diesel truck for the same distance.

Studies conducted by Scania and Volvo Trucks indicate that the initial carbon footprint associated with battery production is rapidly offset by the intensive use of commercial vehicles. An electric truck can achieve carbon neutrality in as little as 16 weeks of operation, a significantly shorter timeframe than for passenger cars. Utilizing 100% renewable energy for charging can increase total lifecycle emission savings to over 90%.

Despite these gains, challenges remain. The European Union mandates a 45% reduction in emissions from modern trucks by 2030 compared to 2019 levels, requiring at least one in three new trucks sold by the end of the decade to be zero-emission. A key obstacle is the development of sufficient high-power charging infrastructure along major transport routes. Several pilot projects, including “electric roads” tested in Germany, are underway to address this need.

A recent report from IRU Intelligence Monitoring highlights the potential strain on European power grids, estimating that a fully electric truck fleet could consume up to 25% of some countries’ total electricity supply. The “Clean Transport Corridor Initiative,” signed by nine EU nations, aims to accelerate the deployment of charging infrastructure along key transport corridors, but acknowledges challenges including insufficient grid capacity, lengthy connection procedures, and investor uncertainty.

Industry associations are warning that the 2030 target of 400,000 zero-emission trucks is at risk due to sluggish adoption rates and infrastructure gaps. In Spain, electric industrial vehicles accounted for only 1.6% of the market in 2025, with approximately 500 units sold.