Fiat’s Tiny Topolino EV Earns Spot on Time’s Best Inventions List

The Fiat Topolino electric quadricycle has landed on Time’s 2026 Best Inventions list in the Design category. Announced on October 15, the recognition highlights the two-seat EV for rethinking urban mobility through a compact footprint, simple electric drivetrain, and the open-air Dolcevita variant, rather than focusing on massive range or horsepower figures. Time editors compile the annual list by seeking nominations across fields like design, sustainability, and accessibility to spotlight fresh solutions to traditional problems.

Aside from the accolade, the Topolino boasts commercial success. Fiat reported that the model became Europe’s segment leader in the electric quadricycle category in 2025, capturing roughly a 20 percent market share that extended into 2026. This momentum was supported by a year-over-year order increase of approximately 30 percent in the second quarter. Time’s write-up praised the distinctive Italian design and fresh approach to urban mobility championed by Stellantis engineers who revived the historic nameplate.

Arnaud Belloni, CEO of Fiat, Abarth and Lancia and chief marketing officer for Europe at Stellantis, stated that the honor validates the brand’s long-term design philosophy. The Topolino features a small electric setup tailored for short trips, tight parking spots, and daily errands. Custom variants have also emerged, including one-off builds by Giorgetto Giugiaro and Elkann, while the open-top Dolcevita trim replaces traditional doors for low-speed urban runs.

In the US market, where quadricycles do not fit neatly into standard vehicle categories, Fiat has officially brought the model with a starting price of about $13,995 including destination. It features a 5.4-kilowatt-hour battery rated for roughly 46 miles of range.