Fiat 500e: stylish, sustainable and city-savvy

The Fiat 500e, the all-electric version of the iconic Fiat 500. Fiat have transformed a beloved classic into a stylish and quirky electric vehicle for the new generation. With the timeless appeal of the Fiat 500, which has been popular since its re-release in 2007 you’re bound to see the all new electric version popping up around your area.

Fiat have taken everything we know and love and levelled it up with the Fiat 500e. The overall look keeps to the Fiat 500 blueprint, but it's the details that make the 500e a standout. From flush door handles that give modern twist, to a new headlight design that lets you know Fiat clearly had cuteness front of mind. There's also a bunch of brand new colours so that you can really make the car feel like your own.

When you get into the Fiat 500e you’ll be met with a well designed cabin, with a high quality finish, but the physical air-con buttons could be improved. They make it super easy for both driver and passenger to keep cool, pairing this with the innovative door button makes this city car very comfortable inside.

The infotainment display is easy to navigate and can integrate with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto which is perfect for zipping around a city with the roof down, blasting out your favourite tunes.

You can also connect to the car with the Fiat app, where you can monitor not only the battery levels, but your driving habits too. There’s so much storage, from a not-so-secret cupholder (under the passenger seat) to a wireless charging tray so your devices are always powered up.

Beyond its style, the Fiat 500e sets a new standard for sustainability among EVs. Achieving a perfect 10/10 score on the Energy Efficiency Index by Green NCAP, it stands out as one of the most eco-friendly EVs on the market. Not only do you enjoy all the other perks of an electric vehicle but you also contribute to a cleaner and greener future every time you hit the road.

Despite its compact size, the 500e is very comfortable in the front. There’s loads of storage spaces, but the boot itself is fairly average versus its competitors, coming in at around 185 L (or three carry-on suitcases). Being a 3-door EV it is expected to be on the smaller side in the back but if you compare it to the ORA Funky Cat, the space can seem a bit limited.

The Fiat 500e offers a great driving experience with a comfortable driver position and impressive manoeuvrability. Many felt let down by the driver position in the hybrid predecessor but Fiat have built this EV from the ground up so the driving position has been really improved.

Getting behind the wheel feels like second nature if you’ve driven the petrol equivilent, thanks to its easy handling and intuitive controls. Whether you're nipping through city streets or cruising along the highway, this EV remains quiet and nimble, ensuring a pleasant journey every time.

The 0-60 mph in the Fiat 500e isn’t spectacular, coming in at 9 seconds, but the 0-30mph sprint is perfect for nipping round town, allowing you to effortlessly merge into traffic. With its sprightly performance, the Fiat 500e takes all the best bits from the classic we know and love and ramps them up.

The range is pretty good for an EV within this price range, with up to 145 miles on a single charge. Longer journeys may require a quick pit-stop to recharge but you could easily run errands without a worry. If you do need a little top off whilst out and about, check out the super helpful Electroverse map.

If you’re looking for the same style but need that extra range and speed then it may be worth checking out the Abarth 500e, the Fiat 500e’s sportier cousin.

To enhance your driving experience, the Fiat 500e offers various driving modes. In normal mode, you can enjoy a balanced performance for everyday driving. But for maximising range, the range mode comes into play. This mode restricts power output while ramping up regenerative braking, maximising energy recapture and extending your driving range. It enables efficient one-pedal driving, where lifting off the accelerator can bring the vehicle to a gentle stop. This feature is great for the stop-start traffic in a busy city as it allows total control.

The Fiat 500e also offers sherpa mode, a unique feature that is helpful if you’re running out of juice. Sherpa mode significantly reduces power output and turns off climate control to conserve energy when you have low battery. It sets a speed limit of 50 mph, ensuring you reach the nearest charging station safely. This mode is a great safety net so your journeys are full of confidence.

The electric revolution has mainly been fronted by SUVs but with both the Fiat 500e and Mini Cooper Electric coming into the picture the market for retro EVs with a modern twist is ramping up. Unlike the Fiat, the Mini is essentially a petrol vehicle with the engine removed but this doesn’t take away from performance with a 0-60 mph time of 7.3 seconds, beating the Fiat. When it comes to range and charging speed, Fiat one ups Mini considerably as it’s helped by the larger 42kWh battery.

The Fiat 500e offers a comfortable and manoeuvrable driving experience, with quick acceleration and intuitive controls. Its range of driving modes, including the energy-efficient range mode and reliable sherpa mode, ensures optimal performance and flexibility. With a decent range of up to 145 miles, you can confidently embark on your journeys knowing that the Fiat 500e will take you wherever you need to go while prioritising sustainability and efficiency.