Cute and compact
The 2024 Fiat 500e is a small, affordable electric car that offers style and just enough range for urban driving. It’s the second generation of the compact Italian car, with upscaled proportions and a renewed design. Despite its small size, the 500e manages to provide a spacious cabin with improved headroom and visibility. It’s a fashion accessory as much as it is a mobility solution.
The new look of the 500e pays homage to previous generations with round headlamps and a circular daytime light signature. The front fenders feature Italian flags encased in transparent strakes, adding a touch of visual detail. The hatchback design allows for a reasonable amount of cargo space, with 7.51 cubic feet behind the back seats and a total of around 101 cubic feet of cabin space.
The whole song and dance
One unique feature of the 500e is its singing Acoustic Vehicle Alert System (AVAS). As the car accelerates, a song titled “The Sound of 500” plays for onlookers to hear. It’s a fun and cheeky addition that adds to the overall charm of the car. The 500e also features three drive modes: Normal, Range, and Sherpa. Range mode activates one-pedal driving for maximum regenerative braking, while Sherpa mode helps conserve energy by reducing power and speed.
Just enough range
The 500e is equipped with a 42 kilowatt-hour battery that provides an estimated range of 149 miles on a single charge, according to EPA testing. This should be sufficient for most daily commuting and errands. However, it may not be suitable for long road trips due to the limited range. To help drivers maximize their range, the 500e offers three drive modes that can be tailored to individual preferences.
Fast enough charging
The 500e supports DC fast charging up to 85 kW, allowing for a 10% to 80% charge in just 35 minutes. This is relatively quick for a small electric car with a smaller battery. Charging at home or at a public AC charger takes around six hours from flat to full, or about 37 hours with a Level 1 charger. For drivers with shorter daily commutes, charging overnight using a regular 120-volt wall outlet may be sufficient.
UConnect 5 tech
Inside the 500e, Fiat has integrated Stellantis’ Uconnect 5 infotainment suite. It features a 10.25-inch main touchscreen display with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity as standard. The cabin also includes a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a wireless phone charging pad. The 500e comes standard with a rear camera and a suite of driver aid and assistance features, including traffic sign recognition and blind spot monitoring.
Limited editions ‘drops’
The 2024 Fiat 500e starts at $34,095 for the Inspi(Red) Edition, which raises funds for HIV and AIDS research. Fiat plans to release special editions throughout the model year, with unique colorways, themes, features, or partnerships. These limited editions aim to keep the lineup fresh and appeal to different tastes and preferences.
Is the 500e right for you?
The 500e is a small car with big style and just enough range for most urban drivers’ daily needs. It’s perfect as a first car for a teen driver or for navigating city traffic. However, it may not be the ideal choice for those looking for more range at this price point. There are other affordable electric vehicles available with greater range options.
