Overview & Reviews

The Fiat 500e is an electric-powered version of the Fiat 500 hatchback and represents a stylish entry in the growing electric-car field. While the 500e's price is considerably higher than that of the standard 500, Fiat has tried to build value into it, making most of the regular-grade 500's optional features standard and dressing up the body with aerodynamic enhancements. Plus, when you add up all the possible federal, state and local tax incentives, the actual purchase price of a new Fiat 500e gets closer to that of a comparably equipped gasoline Fiat 500.

One other major drawback involves the packaging of the battery and electrical systems, which gobbles up rear seat and cargo space and leaves the 500e with one of the smallest rear seats in existence. Even so, the Fiat 500e is an appealing choice for an electric car. For the moment, you'll need to dwell in California if you want to buy one, as Fiat has not announced plans to sell the 500e outside the Golden State.

Current Fiat 500e
The Fiat 500e is a subcompact two-door hatchback with front wheels powered by an 83-kilowatt electric motor generating 111 horsepower and 147 pound-feet of torque. Electricity is provided by a 24kWh lithium-ion battery. The EPA gives the Fiat 500e an energy consumption estimate of 29 kWh per 100 miles (the lower the kWh number, the better here), which translates to MPGe figures of 116 MPGe combined (122 city/108 highway). Estimated range is a livable 87 miles, according to the EPA. The 500e can fully recharge in less than 4 hours on a 240-volt outlet. However, if you have to plug into a 120-volt circuit (like a regular household plug) estimated charging time shoots up to "less than 24 hours."

A single, well-equipped trim level is offered. Standard features include keyless ignition and entry, automatic climate control, cruise control, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, split-folding rear seats, rear parking sensors, a TomTom navigation system (that can scan and request nearby charging stations in real time) and a six-speaker Alpine audio system with satellite radio, a USB/iPod interface and an auxiliary audio jack. Compared to the gasoline-powered 500, the 500e wears unique front and rear fascias, wide side sills, smooth underbody panels, a rear spoiler and aero-engineered 15-inch wheels.

In reviews, we've found that thanks to the instantaneous torque of the electric motor, the Fiat 500e gathers speed briskly, though acceleration drops off considerably once you reach highway speeds. Despite being much heavier than the standard 500, its more powerful electric powertrain hustles the 500e to 60 mph in about 8 seconds. That's quicker than the gas-powered, base 500 and similar to the acceleration of other similarly priced electric cars.

The 500e's eye-catching aerodynamic enhancements not only reduce drag, but they help make it quiet at speed, too. Even the regenerative brakes feel very natural. The only major dynamic shortcoming is the 500e's overboosted steering, which offers little feedback and makes the car less fun to toss around corners than the regular 500. The Fiat 500e is otherwise enjoyable from behind the wheel thanks to its small dimensions, tightly tuned suspension and instant-on power.

Used Fiat 500e Models
The Fiat 500e debuted in 2013 and hasn't received any significant changes.

User Reviews:

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  Great in the city but awful on highway - 2015 Fiat 500e
  By Peter Fan - October 22 - 2:25 pm

  PROS: This car is really nimble in the city. We live in San Francisco so parking is rarely a problem for this car. This car is great at stop and go. Often you can drive more than 100 miles in the city. It has good handling and is fairly comfortable in the front seat. CONS: My worst complaint is the highway mileage. If driving around 65 mph continuously dont expect the range to go beyond 60-70 miles. Also, when you turn on AC you lose about 10 (estimated) miles in range so be careful. Back seat is horrible in terms of space. Trunk space is small but for a family of three its big enough to hold our weekend groceries. I like the interior design but the quality of material is really cheap so I dont think its worth the price tag. Everyone was laughing at the bright orange but this bright color is necessary because sometimes on the road people just dont see this compact car. Reliability and safety are unknown at this point since I am not a pro. Overall Id recommend this car for short distance commuters.