# Custom Vintage Electric Cars Garage Italia Customs Brings a Retro Fiat 500 into the 21st Century By Kalin Ned | Published 2019-05-27 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vintage-electric-cars References: [highsnobiety](https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/fiat-500-electric-garage-italia/) Milan-based [Garage Italia Customs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fiat-500-spiaggina) has an ongoing project that produces vintage electric cars. Dubbed 'E-Icon,' the project is intended to help [classic cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/1996-pride-13-lx) transition from the analog to the digital age. For example, the company works on the Fiat Nuova 500 — a model that is produced between 1957 and 1975. The updated version features a " five-inch dashboard display which shows a custom graphic interface." While the exterior of the car boasts some adorable old-timely baby blue sensibilities, the interior is reminiscent of a picnic through the incorporation of wicker seating. Like other vintage electric cars, the Fiat 500 needs a charging point and Garage Italia discreetly places it under the Fiat badge. In addition, the gear lever has a picture of a tortoise and a hare, signifying the vehicle's two speeds. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.2/10 - Popularity: 93% | Activity: 85% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Vintage Electric Car Conversions:** Opportunity to convert classic cars into electric vehicles with modern features. - **Digital Dashboard Interfaces for Retro Cars:** Opportunity to upgrade classic car dashboards with custom graphics and interfaces. - **Incorporating Natural Materials in Car Interiors:** Opportunity to integrate eco-friendly and visually appealing materials such as wicker into car design. ### Where This Applies - **Automotive:** Auto manufacturers and custom car shops can explore the potential for niche markets with vintage electric car conversions and unique interior design. - **Sustainable Materials:** Companies that produce natural and eco-friendly materials can target the automotive industry for opportunities to incorporate wicker and other sustainable options in car interiors. - **Technology:** Software and technology companies can collaborate with car designers to develop custom graphic interfaces for classic cars converted to electric power. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Bright Miniature Electric Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/topolino-ev.md) - [Compact Italian EVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2022-abarth-500-ev.md) - [Retro-Styled Electric Convertibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electric-convertible.md) - [Electrified Classic Saloon Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/saloon-car.md) - [Vintage All-Electric Restomods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quintessenza-rs.md) - [Fashion Designer City Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fiat-500e-x-giorgio-armani.md) - [Electric Engine Upgrading Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mini-recharged-project.md) - [Sporty Fully-Electric Vehicle Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/abarth-500e.md) - [Limited-Run Electric Crossovers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fiat-600e-abarth.md)