The new battery-electric Fiat 500e finally brings Fiat and the Chrysler Group into the electric vehicle market, following the footsteps of many of their rivals that have since invested in this area. The 500e however is likely to be sold in very small numbers and Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne has previously indicated that the carmaker will take a substantial hit on each one sold.

The two images offered by Chrysler give little away, cosmetically, but the 500e will get a new front lower bumper insert section, which, in the released image, is colour-coded white and perforated. On the side skirts where they overlap the rear 3/4 panel, the '500e' badge is mounted along with several rows of mock perforations.

Inside, meanwhile, the 500's usual gearstick is jettisoned and a new panel in its place contains the necessary switches for electric vehicle operation while the display section of the instrument cluster has also been modified.

"The zero-emission 500e will premiere on the 'green carpet' of the American Music Awards," this Sunday, according to Chrysler Group, before "it is showcased to the general public for the first time at the Los Angeles Auto Show." Also, according to Chrysler Group, the "Fiat 500e will be available in the state of California in 2013."