The American automotive landscape is dominated by large vehicles. Trucks, SUVs, and crossovers reign supreme, outselling sedans and smaller cars by a significant margin. This isn’t surprising given the reliance on personal vehicles and the vast distances often traveled in the US. However, Fiat believes there’s a niche market for compact, city-friendly cars, and the 2024 Fiat 500e aims to fill that void. With a starting price of $32,500, it’s notably cheaper than the average EV, making it an attractive option, especially as a secondary vehicle for urban dwellers. Does the Fiat 500e offer enough to justify its place in the North American market? This review explores the 2024 Fiat 500e Inspi(Red) to answer that question.
Design and Interior
The Fiat 500e’s diminutive size is striking. While technically a four-seater, the second row is best suited for short trips and accessed by maneuvering through the front doors. Its design is undeniably cute, though perhaps not as stylish as the Mini Electric Hardtop, a competitor in a similar price range. The 500e features a rounded roofline and a hatchback concealing a modest trunk. With the rear seats up, cargo space is limited to 9.5 cubic feet, but folding them down expands to a more usable 30.1 cubic feet. The option to fold down a single rear seat provides flexibility for carrying passengers and cargo.
Side of the Fiat 500eThe compact Fiat 500e showcases its city-friendly dimensions.
While the second row is cramped, its presence is a plus for occasional use. The front seats, however, offer reasonable comfort. While not luxurious, the black-and-red stitched leather seats are a pleasant surprise, adding a touch of style and providing a comfortable ride for shorter journeys. The exterior features semicircular headlights flanking a prominent “500” logo above the lower grille, contributing to the car’s distinctive, short-nosed appearance.
Driver seat of the Fiat 500eThe interior features a stylish black and red color scheme.
Technology and Driver Assistance
The 500e boasts a 10.2-inch infotainment display running Fiat’s proprietary software. However, the system’s sluggish response and somewhat confusing interface detract from the overall experience. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility is a welcome feature, allowing drivers to bypass Fiat’s software for a more seamless user experience.
Infotainment system on the Fiat 500eThe 10.2-inch infotainment screen supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
While the 500e offers driver-assistance features, the base Inspi(Red) model lacks adaptive cruise control and lane-centering, which are reserved for the higher trims (“Inspired by Music” and “Inspired by Beauty”). The base model only includes standard cruise control.
Driving Experience
The Fiat 500e’s driving experience is predictable. While not designed for speed, it’s nimble and offers responsive steering, reflecting its compact size. However, some quirks detract from the driving experience. The two-stage start process, requiring separate presses to activate accessories and then the drivetrain, is cumbersome. The unresponsive drive mode selector dial also proved frustrating.
Rear of the Fiat 500eThe Fiat 500e is designed for urban environments.
The 500e offers three drive modes: Normal, Range, and Sherpa. These modes prioritize range preservation over performance, with Sherpa mode maximizing range by limiting performance. While Normal mode may suffice for city driving with home charging, Sherpa mode offers a practical balance between range and drivability. Despite these quirks, the 500e provides a generally pleasant driving experience with responsive acceleration and steering.
Range and Charging
The Fiat 500e’s limited range of approximately 150 miles is a drawback. While suitable for short trips and frequent charging, it falls short of the 300-mile range offered by many high-end EVs. However, the 500e’s focus is city driving and regular home charging, making the limited range less of an issue for its target audience.
Front of the Fiat 500eThe 500e’s front design incorporates its distinctive circular headlights.
Charging speeds are also moderate. While the 500e supports 85kW DC fast charging, adding approximately 31 miles of range in five minutes, the included Level 2 charger, designed for home installation, offers a more practical charging solution. The Level 2 charger fully replenishes the battery in around six hours, ensuring a full charge overnight.
Conclusion
The Fiat 500e is a compelling option for city dwellers seeking an affordable and compact EV. Its strengths lie in its price, maneuverability, and stylish design. However, the limited range, quirky driving experience, and less-than-stellar infotainment system require consideration. Alternatives like the Mini Electric Hardtop offer more style but less range, while the Chevrolet Bolt EV provides greater range and faster charging at a lower price, albeit with a less distinctive design. The Fiat 500e best serves as a secondary vehicle for short trips and regular home charging.
