The Fiat X1 / 23, an Italian excellence that was ahead of its time
In 2017, the car market is still largely composed of internal combustion engines. In Italy, electric cars barely cover 0,1%. While in Norway, one of the most virtuous countries in the world in terms of energy, electric cars are now 7%. However, we are still a long way from having zero-emission traffic. In fact, despite the new electric and hybrid technologies, internal combustion engines continue to be the most used throughout the planet. For many, the blame for this inexplicable slowdown in electric traction lies with the oil multinationals. Certainly it is not hard to believe it. For others, the fact is that we are only now reaching a technological level that allows us to create affordable electric means of transport. This however is false. As early as the 70s, Fiat had built an electric vehicle with exceptional performance, the X1 / 23.
The futuristic prototype of Fiat in the 70s
The Fiat X1 / 23 Concept was first presented at the Turin Motor Show in 1972. On that occasion the car was presented without an engine. The concept of the city car, however, was already futuristic, at least thirty years ahead of the Smart. It was a two-seater with a modern shape and very small dimensions. The turning point, however, was 1976, when the X1 / 23 returned to the Turin Motor Show equipped with an electric motor. This engine was state-of-the-art for the time, but it wouldn't look out of place on a 'auto of today. With 13,5 horsepower, the car could reach 75 km per hour. Furthermore, with an average speed of 50 km / h, more than 80 km of autonomy could be obtained. One of the most amazing features of this engine was the use of braking to recharge the batteries. A technology rediscovered only today by Toyota. One wonders how different the world would be now if this fantastic car had gone into production. We probably wouldn't have to worry about global warming now, and our air would definitely be cleaner.
