by Michael Satterfield - 09/11/2024
It is no secret that I love the Fiat brand; I have owned several classic Fiats over the years, including an 850 Coupe, a few X1/9s, several 124 Spiders, and even a rare Moretti-bodied 124 2+2. However, with my experience with the first 500e in 2013, I wasn't expecting to like the latest EV version of one of my favorite cars of all time. But somehow, the 2024 Fiat 500e brings all the charm of its Italian heritage into the electric era, offering a refreshing option for those seeking a tiny, city-friendly EV. We had a blast driving this pint-sized powerhouse—its quirky exterior hides a surprisingly sporty driving experience. However, its limitations are clear, especially for those like me who live in sprawling states like Texas. Let’s dive into the details of what we loved, what holds it back from being a practical everyday car, and why we’re eager for the rumored hybrid version.
The Fiat 500 has always been known for its fun, unmistakable appearance, and the 500e proudly carries that torch into the electric future. I wish it wasn't Rose Gold, as this is the "inspired by beauty" edition of the car, and by beauty, I think they mean current beauty and fashion trends. Fiat has made an interesting choice; instead of just selling you a car, they have decided that each version of the Fiat 500e is a specific package supporting different causes or lifestyles. The "Fiat 500e RED" comes in three colors and supports RED the charity that supports the fight against AIDS. The "Inspired by Music," which gets a JBL premium audio system mastered by Bocelli, only comes in Black. "Inspired by Beauty" comes in Rose Gold. There is also an "Inspired by Los Angeles" version, which you can't build on the Fiat website (says coming Fall 2024), but it is said to come in Marine Layer Mist, which is a light blue/grey color; the Los Angeles version also gets the same JBL premium audio system.
In a small town full of F350 trucks the Fiat 500e draws attention wherever it goes. If making a statement is high on your list, the Fiat 500e fits the bill perfectly. Driving around, we noticed heads turning, and people would stop and look at parking, mainly comparing them to the massive SUVs and trucks that dominate our town. The 500 has always been more of an accessory than a car; it is a lifestyle choice for urban drivers who want a style-forward option.
Inside, the Fiat 500e doesn’t try to be something it’s not—it embraces minimalism but adds a healthy dose of Italian flair. The dashboard features a large touchscreen that houses most of the car’s functions, with a clean layout and intuitive controls. The interior materials mix soft-touch plastics and eco-friendly fabrics, giving the cabin a modern and airy feel.
The seats, while stylish, could use a bit more support for long drives. However, the interior gets style points for stitching 'Fiat' into the quilting of the seats. We found them adequate for short city stints, but lower back support became an issue after an hour or two. The limited space is also something to consider—this is, after all, a subcompact car. For two people, it’s cozy, but squeezing four adults in would be a challenge. Cargo space is also limited, with just 7.5 cubic feet in the rear, making it a challenge for anything more than a small grocery run or an overnight bag. Still, for city dwellers who don’t require much space, it’s enough.
Where the Fiat 500e shines brightest is in its driving dynamics. This little EV is a blast to drive around town. The 500e’s small footprint makes it incredibly nimble, allowing you to dart in and out of traffic with ease. Tight corners are a breeze, and the car’s light steering provides a direct, responsive feel. We found ourselves smiling as we zipped through tight urban streets.
With 117 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque from its single electric motor, the 500e has enough punch to feel lively, particularly in the city. 0-60 mph happens in 8.5 seconds—not blistering by any means, but in a car this small, it feels quicker than the numbers suggest. More importantly, the immediate torque from the electric motor gives the 500e a playful character that’s hard not to love.
The Fiat 500e offers three driving modes: Normal, Range, and Sherpa. In Normal mode, it behaves much like a typical gas-powered car. Range mode introduces one-pedal driving, which increases efficiency by using regenerative braking to slow the car. Sherpa mode is the eco-warrior, designed to squeeze every last mile of range by limiting power and top speed to ensure you reach the nearest charging station. While we didn’t need Sherpa mode during our test, it’s good to know it’s there for emergencies.
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Unfortunately, this is where our love affair with the Fiat 500e hits a roadblock. With a 42 kWh battery, the 500e is rated for just 149 miles of range. If you stick to city driving, Fiat claims you can stretch that to 162 miles, but in our experience, range anxiety is a constant companion. For those of us living in Texas, where commutes and road trips can stretch hundreds of miles, this limited range simply won’t cut it as a primary vehicle, this would have to be a second or third car.
Charging speeds are decent but not remarkable. The 500e can accept up to 85 kW of DC fast charging, which Fiat says will take the battery from 0 to 80% in about 35 minutes. A Level 2 charger will take the battery from empty to full in around six hours for home charging. While these times are acceptable for a city commuter, the range limitations make it difficult to justify the 500e as anything more than a secondary vehicle.
In comparison to other electric cars, the 500e’s range is on par with the Nissan Leaf but falls short of newer competitors like the Chevrolet Bolt or even the upcoming Volvo EX30. For those who do mostly urban driving, this might not be a dealbreaker, but for anyone who enjoys the open road, the 500e feels a bit too confined.
The 2025 Fiat 500e starts at $32,500 for the base Red edition, with higher trims reaching over $36,000 if you opt for additional features like advanced driver assistance systems or premium audio, plus destination and delivery. At this price point, the 500e is a stylish choice rather than an economical one. You’re paying for the design, the brand, and the fun-to-drive factor, but when you consider alternatives like the Chevrolet Bolt or even the Mini Cooper SE, the Fiat starts to feel a bit overpriced for what it offers.
That said, for buyers who prioritize aesthetics and urban convenience over long-range capability, the 500e could still be worth considering. It’s a unique car with a lot of personality, but it’s not the most practical EV on the market for the price.
The good news is that Fiat has confirmed they will be releasing a hybrid version of the 500, which could address some of our range concerns with the 500e. A hybrid powertrain would give drivers the best of both worlds—electric efficiency for short trips and gasoline power for longer journeys. According to Autocar, the 500 Ibrida will be released in 2026 (at least in Europe) and will be powered by a 1.0-liter mild-hybrid three-cylinder.
We’re excited to see what Fiat has in store for the hybrid version and hope it can strike the perfect balance between electric efficiency and range practicality. If Fiat can pull it off, the 500 could become a much more versatile option for a broader audience.
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