Exploring the Fiat 500e: Retro Charm Meets Modern Electric Drive

The Fiat 500e is the company’s first major foray into the world of electric, and it promises to change the way we think of urban electric mobility. Inspired by the company’s original 1957 ‘cinquecento’ design, the Fiat 500e is a retro-futuristic, small-sized car. With a focus on nostalgia, it aims to appeal to eco-conscious drivers, but like any vehicle, it has its pros and cons. Here’s a look.

Pros:

Unique Style: The Fiat 500e doesn’t just look like a 500, it is a 500. It’s unmistakably a member of the famous model family. It’s cute, it’s baby-faced, it’s retro-funky and it’s instantly recognisable. In a world full of EVs that all tend to look the same, the 500e is a car that looks different. It’s a personality-rich statement on wheels.

Little urban dream: The Fiat 500e has a compact footprint, making it a good fit for tight quarters. It can fit between tight street lanes, and its size easily fits into tiny parking spaces, all making urban driving less of a chore. Its small footprint and easy turning radius make it a good fit for the city dweller.

A Plug To Be Proud Of: Inside, the 500e is all about the technology: there is a 10.25-inch infotainment system that supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Instrumentation is digital, providing real-time feedback about the driving and the battery.

Sufficient range and performance: range is decent at 320 km on a charge, perfect for city commutes and short trips. Performance is instantaneous and zippy, thanks to the electric motor’s instant torque.

Cons:

Restricted Interior Space: While the small size of the 500e is great for squeezing into tight parking spots, and nipping in and out of traffic, interior space takes a hit as a result. The rear seats are very tight and really only suitable for children or short journeys. The boot is on the small side too, something to bear in mind if you need to regularly transport cargo.

Ride Comfort on Rough Surfaces: The suspension tune in the Fiat 500e is on the firm side, and that means a jittery ride on rough roads. It’s not a deal-breaker for me, but it could detract from the comfort, particularly on longer trips or on urban streets that are in need of repair.

Higher Price Tag: The Fiat 500e comes to Australia this autumn at a starting price around AUD $47,990. That’s a big spend for a driver’s first electric car, and it seems a high price to pay for a car that is so small and, in many ways, limited.

Limited Fast Charging: The 500e supports fast charging but its maximum rate of 85 kW could be higher. At a time when everything is about speed, and especially for an urban-focused vehicle, this might extend down time on longer trips where mid-journey top-ups are necessary.

Conclusion:

The Fiat 500e is a stylish and appealing option in the electric car market, suitable for those who prefer style, technological integration and city mobility over spaciousness and off-road abilities. As a fashionable solution it follows the footsteps of its predecessor, now reinvented for a modern, eco-savvy user. Potential buyers will have to consider whether its aesthetic appeal and city-friendly design are strong enough to overcome space, comfort and cost concerns. Ultimately, the 500e is a very different take on urban electric driving, with some important compromises that all potential owners should carefully consider.