Has anybody ever tried to get you to eat one thing that did not attraction to you off the bat, after which while you ultimately take that first chew, it is fairly nice however not one thing you’d have thought to order? The 2024 Fiat 500e feels just like the automotive equal of this situation. Fiat’s dad or mum firm Stellantis believes the important thing to a sustainable electrical future is a small automotive that does not require an enormous battery pack filled with uncommon Earth minerals. That sounds nice on paper, nevertheless it does not jive effectively with America’s tradition of individualism and extra.
The all-new 500e is the primary product introduction from Fiat to the US market because the 500x debuted for the 2016 mannequin 12 months. It arrives at a time when inexpensive electrical autos are few and much between – Chevrolet is placing the Bolt EV out to pasture, and the Nissan Leaf is poised to get replaced by a dearer mannequin. With an affordable beginning worth of $32,500, the Fiat 500e is barely a bit dearer than the 2024 Mini Cooper Electrical (though upcoming fashions will possible value extra), and simply undercuts the entry-level Hyundai Kona Electrical; the 500e might very effectively maintain the title of America’s most inexpensive EV within the close to future.
Affordability is nice, however Fiat nonetheless faces the identical uphill battle from when it relaunched within the US again in 2011: how do you get American customers to embrace the thought of driving a small automotive? Fiat invited DrivingOnRoad to Miami, Florida – a perfect place to check a small metropolis automotive – to see how effectively the 2024 500e can alter American perceptions.
Exterior: Italian Flare Executed Small
We confirmed an image of the brand new Fiat 500e to some buddies, they usually rapidly responded with, “Is that the brand new one?” On first look, the brand new 500e retains the identical form and general theme because the final one, however there are some delicate variations. When it comes to its dimensions, the brand new automotive is 2.4 inches longer (with a 0.87-inch improve in wheelbase), 2.2 inches wider, and 1.14 inches taller than the outgoing automotive, in an effort to enhance inside house.
Just one physique model is coming stateside, with the three+1 and cabriolet being reserved for Europe. No less than, for now. Fiat says it wish to carry the cabriolet to the US, however the 3+1 would require further aspect influence crash testing.
The primary 500e models that can arrive within the US are the (RED) Version, inbuilt collaboration with the charitable group (RED). The (RED) Version stands out with the plain crimson accents on the mirrors and badging – however you will not see these in case your automotive is painted in Crimson by (RED), like all of the autos on the launch occasion. These crimson particulars are extra noticeable if the automotive is ordered in Tuxedo Black or Glacier White, each of that are no-cost choices – and people spherical out the three-strong palette. Fiat will ultimately supply ‘Impressed By’ Particular Editions (together with Impressed By Music and Impressed By Magnificence fashions) which add different exterior colours reminiscent of Rose Gold or black. The (RED) 500e rides on two-tone black/silver 17-inch wheels as-standard.
Fiat wished to maintain the 500e authentically Italian with small particulars, such because the Italian flag positioned inside little glass housings on the hood. This new 500e appears a bit angrier than the outgoing mannequin, with headlights which might be lower off by the hood, making the automotive look as if it is taking pictures you an offended glare. Curved LED daytime operating lights sit on the hood itself, trying a bit like a raised eyebrow above the headlights, and decrease on the entrance fascia, a small grille with two openings on both aspect makes the 500e seem as if it is smiling.
Inside: A Trend Assertion
If the outside design wasn’t sufficient of an indication, Fiat clearly wished the 500e’s cabin to be a trend assertion. The (RED) Version options black material seats with crimson piping and crimson ‘(500) RED’ logos on the seat backs, and a crimson plastic dashboard accent. The seats additionally function the phrase “FIAT” stitched in repetition, so you may always remember what sort of automotive you might be driving. Fiat says the cabin is supposed to really feel premium, however hard-touch recycled plastics do not evoke a way of luxurious.
Fiat had the Impressed By fashions parked on a stage for us to discover, and their extra impartial inside colour schemes and “eco-leather” did look extra elegant. That being stated, a top-end Mini Cooper possesses rather more premium, soft-touch supplies.
Each 500e bought within the US comes properly geared up, and there are not any dear choices that have to be tacked on. You get a ten.25-inch touchscreen as normal, powered by UConnect 5 with wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A seven-inch gauge cluster offers helpful info, together with a full map, audio information, and extra. Each Impressed By trims add Stage 2 autonomous driver aids, whereas the Impressed By Music will get a seven-speaker JBL audio system with a subwoofer to do its identify justice.
Practicality: Or Lack Thereof
Maybe unsurprisingly, even a modest measurement improve hasn’t instantly turned the 500e into an America-sized household car; the best-selling car within the US is the Ford F-Sequence, so it is no shocker that autos like this will probably be a tricky promote. The three-door format accommodates seating for 4 individuals, however whoever squeezes into the again seat will not need to be there for lengthy. Rear seat legroom is simply 29.45 inches, an enchancment of almost two inches over the earlier era, nevertheless it’s nonetheless over an inch lower than the outgoing Mini Cooper Electrical. Headroom is not less than first rate for all 4 occupants because of the automotive’s tall stature.
Fiat says the extra 2.2 inches in width makes the 500e roomier for passengers, however we nonetheless needed to share an armrest with a fellow journalist who was our driving associate.
Trunk house grows by half a dice to 7.5 cubic toes, modestly bettering the practicality. Fiat does not quote whole storage, however the automotive’s diminutive measurement makes it a cinch to drop the again seats with out stretching. As a minor grievance, the 500e solely comes with two cupholders, whereas the outgoing mannequin had 4. As Individuals, we love having room for a number of drinks.
Powertrain: Not Extreme
To energy a tiny automotive just like the 500e, you do not want an enormous battery or quite a few electrical motors. A single motor on the entrance kicks out 117 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, a slight improve of six hp and 15 lb-ft over the outgoing era. An 8.5-second 0-60 time and 94 mph high velocity will not get the 500e onto the entrance web page of any motoring magazines, however a 3.1-second 0-30 mph dash makes the 500e an efficient metropolis automotive for taking pictures out and in of visitors.
In a world full of 100- and even 200-kWh batteries, the Fiat 500e bucks the development with a 42-kwh pack. That is a large improve over the outdated 500e’s 25 kWh battery, which solely enabled an 84-mile driving vary. The brand new 500e almost doubles the vary of its predecessor, with as much as 149 miles on a full cost. That matches the Nissan Leaf S and improved on the 2024 Cooper SE Hardtop, nevertheless it nonetheless ranks decrease than the Hyundai Kona. Fiat clearly intends the 500e for use for day by day commuting, not freeway street journeys.
The 500e can replenish its battery at peak speeds of as much as 85 kW. There are numerous EVs obtainable that may cost extra rapidly, however bear in mind the battery is small – you do not want a hearth hose to refill a water bottle. Fiat says the automotive can cost from 0-80% in 35 minutes. Most automakers quote 10-80% cost occasions, as a result of they’re faster, however Fiat didn’t have a quote on-hand for this situation.
On a Stage 2 house charger, the 500e can settle for as much as 11 kW, going from 0-100% in simply six hours. As a result of the battery is so fairly sized, you possibly can even cost the 500e on a Stage 1 outlet in round 37 hours. It might not go that far on a cost, however the 500e’s smaller battery allows fast recharging that ought to fulfill the common work commute, even for house dwellers.
Driving Impressions: Metropolis Sprinter
Fiat selected Miami as the situation for our first drive of the 500e in North America, which is a perfect spot to see how the automotive zips out and in of tight costal roads. Off the road, the 500e feels spry with no difficulties getting out in entrance of slower-moving visitors. That peppiness dies off considerably round 40 mph, however a short stint on Florida’s I95 proved the 500e isn’t a hindrance at freeway speeds.
We thought the brief wheelbase and 17-inch wheels may make for a bumpy journey, however the 500e is surprisingly compliant. You continue to really feel street imperfections, however the automotive does not crash and bounce over potholes and dips within the street. Ben fatto, Fiat for making a snug metropolis automotive. Miami’s seashore roads aren’t what we would name well-paved, so it gave us ample alternative to really feel what the Fiat will probably be like in most American cities: We approve.
Identical to the earlier 500, the brand new 500e is a pleasure to toss round. Its tiny stature means no hole in visitors or parking spot is just too small. Fiat consists of three driving modes: Regular, Vary, and Sherpa. Vary mode allows one-pedal driving with heavier brake regeneration, whereas Sherpa acts as a most effectivity mode with decreased energy and a restricted 50 mph high velocity. It additionally shuts down the local weather management system.
In our transient time driving round Miami, we did not discover any main variations between Regular and Vary modes, other than the one-pedal driving. We might have examined Sherpa mode, however did not need to courageous the Florida warmth with out A/C.
Pricing & Verdict: A Cheap Second {Car}
The 2024 Fiat 500e (RED) Version begins at $32,500, not together with a $1,595 vacation spot price, and since there are not any choices to tack on, the entire value involves $34,095. The Impressed By trims up the worth to $36,000. Fiat can declare to have probably the most inexpensive EVs available on the market, however there are bigger, extra sensible choices obtainable in an analogous worth vary. The 2024 Hyundai Kona Electrical prices solely $175 extra, and it delivers 48 extra miles of vary and 16 further horses. The 2024 Tesla Mannequin 3 is considerably dearer by a spot of $6,490, however its bigger measurement and 272-mile vary might make that worth distinction price it for a lot of consumers.
Fiat has not launched any lease offers but, however we suspect they are going to be enticing with the $7,500 federal tax credit score factored in. That can successfully pull the worth right down to $26,500 territory that was beforehand occupied by the now-dead Chevrolet Bolt EV. Consumers who have already got a gas-powered car to choose up their children and take street journeys might discover utility in a small EV with an equally minuscule lease fee as an affordable car they will drive to work and again. We aren’t saying the Fiat 500e may have a large viewers within the US, however for a sure purchaser, it may be the best device for the job.