Fiat Vanzic

In 1995, Fiat presented the Vanzic at the Geneva Motor Show, developed by Centro Ricerche Fiat as the second generation of its electric-prototype line.

It was a mainly urban minivan concept built from the Zic prototype and designed around a hybrid-electric powertrain.

The Vanzic used an electric motor assisted by a thermal energy generator, described as a 350 cc four-stroke engine, which produced part of the electricity needed for driving directly on board.

That output was combined with energy stored in the battery pack to extend the operating range to up to 200 km, while the declared maximum speed was 105 km/h and average fuel consumption was 4.3 liters per 100 km.

Fiat also used the project to showcase its construction methods and materials. The Vanzic was built with light alloys and polymer composites, alongside die-casting techniques, aluminum welding processes, and cohesion procedures.

These solutions were part of the same development direction introduced with the Zic, which relied on low-pressure molding and advanced joining methods.

The name itself reflects the concept’s purpose: “Van” refers to its vaguely minivan-like shape, while “zic” means Zero Impact, pointing to the environmental goal behind the project.