Name: 2024 Fiat 500e
Brand: Fiat

2024
Fiat 500e

EPA Range: 141 miles

Fiat 500e First Drive

Summary

Introduction

2024 Fiat 500e Is a Tiny EV With Italian Flair

The 'Cinquecento' returns to the U.S. market after a hiatus

Overview

The diminutive Fiat 500 (also known as the Cinquecento) is coming back to the U.S., and only as an electric car. The 500e has an EPA estimated range of up to 141 miles and that its price is small as its wheelbase.

Despite its hiatus from the U.S. market, the 500 will probably need no reintroduction when it returns for 2024. Since 1957, the Cinquecento has symbolized a carefree, Italian approach to the open road. That’s why it has guest-starred in so many films, from Fellini to Pixar.

It’s hard to imagine that the new model will differ too much from the version that’s already sold in Europe, which we recently had the chance to look over.

The new 500e competes with the Hyundai Kona Electric, Kia Niro EV, Mini Cooper SE, and Nissan Leaf. It will have a 117-hp, 87-kW electric motor, 42-kWh battery, in front-wheel drive.

Impressions

Even though the Fiat 500 has been redesigned since its last appearance in the U.S., its cheerful face and tiny size make it instantly recognizable. And at under 12 feet long, there’s not a parking spot in the country the 500 won’t fit in.

In Europe, the 500e is offered with a unique “3+1” door configuration. These have a clamshell door on one side—somewhat like the Saturn Ion and Mazda RX-8 of the mid-2000s or the more recent Mazda MX-30—and a single, large coupe-style door on the other. We’re not sure if this body style is coming to the U.S., nor do we know whether a convertible will be offered.

When Fiat announced it was bringing the 500e back to the U.S. at the 2022 LA Auto Show, the automaker also showed off three flashy concepts from well-known fashion and design brands. We don’t expect the 500e to show up at Fiat dealers upholstered in vintage Bulgari silk scarves the way the concept car was kitted out at the auto show, but we do expect the brand to play up the car’s iconic looks. If you’re looking for a budget runabout, you’ll probably have to look elsewhere. Even in Europe, the 500e comes with a decent amount of standard equipment, including keyless entry and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

No matter how it’s equipped, the cabin looks much more modern, eschewing retro-inspired gauges and controls for a contemporary look. This includes a push-button gear selector below a 10.25-inch touchscreen, which is running a version of Stellantis’ latest UConnect infotainment system. And because it doesn’t have the bulky drivetrain of a gas-powered vehicle, there’s an impressive amount of open space on the floor between the two front seats. In back, there are two tiny rear seats and enough room for a few grocery bags behind them.

The last 500e had a tiny 80-mile range, and it was mostly offered to help the automaker meet California’s zero-emissions vehicle requirements. The new model has an EPA range of up to 141 miles on a single charge, and will take just 5 minutes to add 30 miles of range when plugged into a public 85-kilowatt DC fast-charging station.

The new 500e is standard with automatic emergency braking (AEB), lane departure warning, and a driver drowsiness monitor. “One pedal” driving, where the driver can lift off the accelerator and the car will use regenerative braking to slow down, is standard.