Fiat 500e – Heartbreaker under power

The Fiat 500e in numbers:

• Engine: Electric motor with 87 kW/118 hp, 220 Nm, battery capacity 42 kW/h
• Range: 320 km, charging power up to 11 kW (AC), up to 85 kW (DC)
• Drive: Front-wheel drive
• Transmission: Automatic
• Performance: 0-100 km/h 9.0 s, top speed 150 km/h
• Mass: Weight 1 365 kg, Trunk: 185 – 550 l
• Consumption: 14.0 – 14.9 kWh/100 km
• Test car price: 39,990 francs
• Base price: from 32,990 francs
• Competitors: VW e-up!, Seat Mii electric, Skoda Citigo iV, Smart EQ, Renault Twingo Electric
• As of March 30, 2021

Completely redesigned

It was to be expected that Fiat's first electric car would be an offshoot of the successful 500. But all those who believed that the Italians would simply plant a battery in the underbody of their bestseller are proven wrong by Fiat. The Fiat 500e has been completely redeveloped, stands on its own platform and has only the cuddly look in common with its petrol-powered predecessors.

A bit inflated

Visually, the small electric car looks rounder and even more spherical. As if the old 500 had simply been inflated a bit. And indeed, the socket smooch has also grown. However, with a length of 3.63 meters (plus 6.1 cm), a width of 1.68 meters (plus 5.6 cm) and a height of 1.53 meters (plus 2.9 cm), the 500e still remains an ideal city car in the small car segment, in which other electric competitors are already cavorting.

Up to 320 km range

What makes the electric Fiat 500 a hit in the segment: It offers the most powerful battery - and thus the best range. Fiat has installed a battery with a capacity of 42 kWh, of which 37.3 kWh can be used net. This is decent and, depending on the version, should enable a range of between 298 and 320 kilometres according to the realistic WLTP cycle. For a car of this size, this is an announcement. In reality, it's not quite as many kilometers, but 280 km are easily possible, which is still a strong performance.

Made with love

The interior is also a strong performance. Modern, chic and yet playful. For example, the button that can be used to open the doors electrically at the touch of a button is already hidden in the outer door handle recess. Inside, too, there is a button instead of a mechanical handle, and next door in the door panel, the silhouette is stamped with the original Fiat 500 and the words "Made in Torino". When the electric motor is started, a welcome melody sounds. Small gimmicks that show: The Fiat 500e is made with a lot of love. 

High-quality and modern

The modern cockpit and materials look high-quality. Above the dashboard is the up to 10.25-inch touchscreen with U-Connect operating system, depending on the trim level. It is pleasant that not everything is controlled via the display. Important functions such as the heating settings are still controlled via buttons on the dashboard. The buttons for the automatic transmission, which are also located on the dashboard, are somewhat unusual. The space conditions are also pleasant – at least for the driver and front passenger. On the back seat and in the trunk, it gets a bit tighter. However, the Fiat 500e is a small car and not a cargo truck.

Fellini for pedestrians

The brand demonstrates sustainability in the seat covers, which are made of recycled materials, some of which are also made of plastic fished out of the sea. Nice detail: Unlike the mostly spherical-technical sounding competition, the Fiat 500e makes music below 20 km/h! Pedestrians are warned of the electric car by the title melody from Federico Fellini's film "Amarcord" – and that's no joke! The Fiat 500e is also available as a convertible – the only one in this segment of purely electric small cars. The roof can be easily opened and closed at the touch of a button. The folding roof with Fiat lettering print is certainly an eye-catcher.

Flotte Kiste

Push the start button and the little one starts off – and extremely quickly. The acceleration feels light-footed and smooth, and it's a real pleasure to weave your way past everyone else in the city hustle and bustle. No wonder with acceleration from 0 to 50 km/h in 3.1 seconds, 100 km/h is reached after 9.0 seconds. Even with a top speed of 150 km/h, the 118 hp electric 500 is not one of the slow vehicles. The hustle and bustle of the city is the territory of the electric 500, where it feels at home and scurries silently through the alleys. Speaking of silent: Anyone who still remembers the rattling 2-cylinder TwinAir engine of the predecessor will be happy about the pleasant silence of the electric car. In the city, the Fiat 500e also shows off its range. 280 to 300 kilometers are no problem in the city, but if you go on the highway or overland, the load melts like ice in the sun.

Fast charging function as standard

As standard, the Fiat 500e is delivered with fast charging function via CCS plug, which usually costs a surcharge with the competition. This should allow the battery to be charged with up to 50 or 85 kW and can be filled to 80 percent in 35 minutes at fast-charging stations under ideal conditions. At ordinary AC stations, the Fiat takes up to 11 kW – which is also better than the competition. Here, a full charge takes four hours and 15 minutes. It takes a good 15 hours at the home socket.

A Sherpa for all occasions

In terms of recuperation, the Fiat 500e could go one step further. It has three driving modes: Normal, Range and Sherpa. In Range, the drive recuperates more energy than in normal by braking more strongly as soon as the driver takes his foot off the accelerator. But recuperation is not quite as convincing yet. The Sherpa gear is the means of choice when the focus is on maximum power saving and the only thing that matters is getting there. Then the 500e creeps to its destination at a maximum speed of 80 km/h, air conditioning and seat heating are deactivated.

Warn, detect and protect

Fiat is also proud of the large number of assistance systems such as drowsiness warning and speed limit recognition, as well as connectivity: the charge status can be queried via smartphone and a destination can be sent to the navigation system. The small Fiat can also serve as an Internet hotspot for up to eight devices. And if the vehicle is stolen, the owner is immediately informed via smartphone.

What we particularly like

The Fiat 500e is the ideal electric car for the big city. Chic, modern and with an impressive range. As a convertible version, the little one is even more fun.

What we like less

The Fiat 500e costs at least 32,990 francs – definitely not a bargain!

source : Fiat 500e - Heartbreaker under power | AutoScout24 Magazine