Fiat 500e: The Italian Stallion of Electric City Cars Hits the American Streets
Ah, the Fiat 500e, the Italian stallion of electric city cars, has made its grand return to American soil! It's like the prodigal son coming home, but with a battery pack and a lot less exhaust noise. As an automotive journalist who's seen it all from gas-guzzling muscle cars to sleek, whisper-quiet EVs, I've developed a keen sense for what makes a vehicle more than just a bunch of nuts and bolts on wheels. And let me tell you, when it comes to the 2024 Fiat 500e, it's like witnessing an opera singer trying to mime – amusingly out of character yet strangely captivating.
The return of the Fiat 500e to American soil brings with it a certain European flair that's hard to ignore. Think of it as Italy's less-than-subtle nudge to remind Americans that not all good things come supersized. With its electric motor humming a tune of 118 horsepower (162 lb-ft of torque), this little Italian stallion promises to zip from 0 to 60 mph in a modest 8.5 seconds. Not exactly a track star, but then again, it's not pretending to be one. After all - we're not racing in Formula 1; we're just trying to beat traffic and find a parking spot that doesn't require a second mortgage.
Now, the burning question on everyone's mind: how far can it go on a single charge? Well, with an EPA-estimated range of 149 miles, you won't be setting any cross-country records. This is the kind of car that likes to stay close to home, sipping electricity in the city. Forget about road trips; this little guy is designed for the daily grind. When it comes to charging, the 500e is like that friend who's always ready for a quick coffee break. Hook it up to an 85 kW DC fast charger, and you'll get about 31 miles of range in just five minutes.
But before you start complaining about range anxiety, consider this: it's better than its closest rival, the Mini Cooper Electric Hardtop, which can only manage 114 miles. Take that, Mini!
In a world where cars are ballooning into mini tanks, the 500e is refreshingly compact. At 142.9 inches long, 66.3 inches tall, and 74.1 inches wide, it makes other small cars look like they're on a bulking diet. And speaking of diet, the 500e tips the scales at a relatively svelte 2,952 lbs (1,339 kg). All this sits on snazzy 17-inch diamond-cut wheels, because even small cars deserve to wear nice shoes.
Let's talk about the driving modes. There are three of them: Normal, Range, and Sherpa. In 'Normal' mode, it drives like a regular car - no surprises there. 'Range' mode activates the one-pedal drive system with regenerative braking. And then there's 'Sherpa' mode, where the car becomes your energy-conscious nanny, limiting you to 50 mph and 76 hp. But don't worry; if you really need to unleash the beast, you can floor it, and all the power comes rushing back, like a superhero in a phone booth. Albeit - tiny superhero in a tiny phone booth.
Oh, and did I mention the 500e has an Acoustic Vehicle Alert System (AVAS)? It "sings" a charming tune as it passes by to warn pedestrians. It's like having your own personal soundtrack while you drive – a musical ode to Italian culture.
This little Fiat is all about the retro charm. The exterior design harks back to the original 1957 500, and it's as cute as a button. LED lighting, flush-fitting "e-latch" door handles, and 17-inch diamond-cut wheels make it a head-turner. There's even a special (RED) Edition in partnership with a global charity. It's got unique red paint, grille decals, and a red-painted dashboard. And for every one of these sold, a portion goes to charity. A car that looks good and does good – what's not to love?
Inside, you'll find a nod to the past with a two-spoke steering wheel and rounded instrument cluster, but it's also packed with modern tech. A 10.25-inch center screen with Uconnect 5, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a built-in virtual assistant make sure you're connected at all times. It even gets over-the-air updates, so it's always on the cutting edge. And let's not forget the seats made from recycled materials – because saving the planet is cool, too.
And don’t worry, safety hasn't been thrown out the window either. We're talking Lane Keep Assist, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Pedestrian Alert. Not bad for a car that looks like it could fit in your pocket.
Now, the million-dollar question: How much does this Italian charmer cost? Well, the 500e (RED) Edition starts at $32,500, not including the destination fee. It might seem a bit steep, but remember, you're getting style, a good cause, and a piece of Italy with every purchase. Sadly, it's not eligible for federal tax incentives like some of its rivals, so you won't be getting that sweet $7,500 discount - unless you prefer the lease but you’d need to talk to your local dealer about that.
The 2024 Fiat 500e – it's like an espresso shot of electrification: small, strong, and unmistakably Italian. It's not going to rewrite the EV rulebook, but it sure will add a little dolce to your vita. The 500e will hit dealerships in the first quarter of 2024, and Fiat is touting it as a modern, tech-forward take on a beloved classic. So, whether you're a die-hard Fiat fan or just looking for a stylish, eco-friendly city car, try not to smile when you drive this car – it's the Italian way.
