L.A.: Chrysler will show plug-in electric Fiat 500e

Chrysler Group's first plug-in electric car looks like a rolling orange.

Except for the color, it could be mistaken for any other Fiat 500. But know this: It's electric, and it has a slightly different name, the 500e. And the orange-orange appearance is appropriate, because the car will be sold only in California. That's where air-quality regulators require every automaker to sell a certain percentage of cars that emit no pollutants, hence the rush to electrics that aren't sold elsewhere.

While the sales area will be limited, the ability to milk plug-in electrics knows no bounds.

Chrysler is going to unveil the 500e for the American Music Awards. It will be seen by the public for the first time starting Nov. 30 at the Los Angeles Auto Show.