500e
FIAT
500e Introduction
The Fiat 500e electric car brings retro Italian charm into Australia’s urban EV scene, combining iconic looks, nimble dimensions, and a quiet all-electric drivetrain. The 500e’s instantly recognisable design stands out from boxier rivals like the Mini Electric or Nissan Leaf, while its compact footprint and agile handling make it perfect for city dwellers navigating tight streets and parking spots. Offered as a three-door hatch or convertible in higher trims, the 500e promises a blend of style and efficiency, with a 42kWh battery, up to 311km WLTP range, and zippy off-the-line acceleration. The La Prima flagship adds luxury flourishes, a panoramic glass roof, and wireless smartphone integration.
Australian buyers benefit from safety features like adaptive cruise and lane-keep assist, complemented by modern digital touches such as a 10.25-inch touchscreen and keyless entry. A three-year/150,000km vehicle warranty and an eight-year battery guarantee bolster peace of mind for new adopters. While its petite boot and four-seat cabin limit outright practicality, most reviewers celebrate its fun-to-drive nature, quick charging, and retro-modern aesthetic. Amid rising demand for eco-friendly compact EVs, the Fiat 500e stands as a playful, efficient and premium alternative to more predictable city cars.
Available models
500e Performance & Power
Fiat’s 500e makes the most of its 87kW/220Nm electric motor and featherweight chassis, offering zippy 0–50km/h pace and a smooth, quiet drive. Alexandra Lawrence (carsales) notes, "Behind the wheel, the 500e feels zippy and athletic thanks to a healthy amount of torque that allows it to build speed quickly from a standstill." Anthony Crawford (CarExpert) adds, "The 500e (like most electric cars) leaps off the line and will leave most of the traffic in its wake, at least up to 60km/h," with power delivery tailored for traffic-light bursts and weaving through the city.
James Cleary (CarsGuide) highlights the “impossibly smooth” acceleration, whether launching from rest or dicing with urban traffic. Some testers find the 9.0-second 0–100km/h time underwhelming at this price, especially given the circa 1,300kg weight, but agree the driving experience feels engaging at city speeds. Brake feel and regenerative settings offer decent one-pedal driving in “Range” mode, though the "Sherpa" eco mode is best saved for emergencies as it limits speed and power to maximise remaining range.
500e Interior & Design
The Fiat 500e draws universal praise for its retro-chic exterior, mixing classic 1957 cues with sleek LED lighting and smooth, modern lines. The plush La Prima trim and available convertible option elevate style, adding Italian flair unmatched among compact EVs. Alexandra Lawrence (carsales) says, “If you love the look, then you’re more than halfway there... [with] Italian charm and instantly recognisable silhouette.” James Cleary (CarsGuide) highlights the “ultra-clean cabin,” clever Turin skyline wireless charging pad, and playful touches that echo the city car’s heritage.
Inside, digital instruments and a 10.25-inch touchscreen make the cabin feel high-tech, while synthetic leather and contrast stitching add to the sense of occasion—though some critics note cabin plastics are on the budget side for a $60K vehicle. Comfort is solid up front, but rear accommodation is tight and boot space is limited to 185 litres—typical for a city-centric hatch. Visibility, seat adjustment, and entry for front passengers all impress, and unique colour and roof options (including La Prima’s panoramic glass) stand out.
500e Technology & Safety
Technology takes a leap forward with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, digital instrument cluster, adaptive cruise, lane keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring standard on many trims. Alexandra Lawrence (carsales) describes the tech as "impressive yet thoughtful," but points out the gear-selector buttons are “often need multiple presses.” Anthony Crawford (CarExpert) finds the large central display “looks huge in the petite 500e... but graphics aren’t as crisp as rivals’.”
The full active safety suite includes AEB, rear cross-traffic alert, 360-degree parking camera, and sign recognition, providing good peace of mind in tight city spaces. James Cleary (CarsGuide) flags the car’s four-star ANCAP rating as “sub-par,” but most reviewers agree the systems work well in daily driving. Basic audio in lower trims, complex menu layouts, and the lack of adaptive headlights are minor trade-offs for a tech-rich small car. Doors are opened via smart handles, and all trims feature keyless go.
500e Range & Charging
Fiat rates the 500e at up to 311km WLTP, with most Australian users expecting 200–260km from real-world city or suburban cycles. Alexandra Lawrence (carsales) remarks, “311km of claimed range is good enough for city dwellers, but the small battery and 20-hour home charging won’t suit everyone.” DC fast-charging at 85kW will replenish 10–80% in about 35 minutes, while an 11kW AC EV offers a 4–4.5 hour full top-up—home socket charging is far slower and mainly for emergencies.
James Cleary (CarsGuide) finds the smaller battery “delivers quick recharge times,” but says the range is only “modest for Australia,” especially if you plan to leave the city. Range Mode and Sherpa Mode maximise regeneration and one-pedal driving, boosting efficiency for those last few city errands. Energy consumption averages 14–15kWh/100km in mixed conditions, ranking the 500e among the most efficient small EVs. For professional charger install, find a local expert here.
500e & Solar Power
The compact size, modest battery, and efficient charging make the 500e perfect for pairing with home solar. Charging during sunny hours can reduce “fuel” costs to almost nothing for many commuters, and the 11kW AC rate fits most rooftop system capacities well. Daytime charging is encouraged, especially with work-from-home patterns or weekends at home. Homeowners can explore solar integration or connect with a solar installer here.
Financially, charging with solar sees returns in under three years for many owners, especially compared to petrol city cars. For renters or those without solar, overnight charging on off-peak rates will still keep costs lower than public charging. As city EV adoption grows, most owners report they rarely spend more than $2–$3 on “fuel” per week when charging at home.
FAQ - Fiat 500e
What is the price of the Fiat 500e electric car in Australia?
The Fiat 500e is priced from $52,500 for the flagship La Prima trim in most states, with regional differences due to on-road and dealer charges. Search queries such as “fiat 500e price australia” and “fiat 500e australia price” are rising as new stock lands locally. Occasional discounts, drive-away deals, or government EV rebates may reduce the effective cost. Always check live dealer pricing for the latest offers.
How far can the Fiat 500e travel on a single charge?
Official WLTP range is up to 311km, but Australian real-world drivers usually report 200–260km per full charge in city and mixed suburban use. Energy efficiency is high, so daily errands often use less than 10% of the battery. For longer trips beyond the city, public fast charging is recommended. Range will depend on driving style, climate, and use of accessories.
How fast does the Fiat 500e charge at home and on the road?
DC fast-charge at 85kW lets you hit 80% in about 35 minutes, while AC charging at 11kW (via EV) takes just over four hours. Using a regular household socket extends this to more than 15 hours, so most owners prefer a dedicated wall charger. “fiat 500e charging” and “fiat 500e charger type” are popular searches for new buyers. Charging tips and installation help are found with local EV charger experts.
Is the Fiat 500e reliable and safe for Australian use?
The 500e carries a three-year/150,000km new-car warranty and an eight-year/160,000km battery warranty, with good reliability feedback in Europe. Safety kit includes AEB, blind-spot assist, lane keep, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise, though the car holds a four-star ANCAP rating. Most daily city and suburban users find it safe and dependable. Reviewers call it “reliable for urban use,” with few common breakdowns.
What are the Fiat 500e’s main pros and cons for buyers?
Pros include its timeless design, zippy performance, manageable size, quiet drive, and well-equipped interior for the price. Most reviewers love the “retro-chic” styling and city-friendly footprint. On the downside, boot and back seat space are limited, and the four-star safety rating is a minor drawback compared to some rivals. Some drivers find the premium price high for such a compact model.
How does the Fiat 500e compare to rivals like the Mini Cooper SE and Nissan Leaf?
The 500e is typically more stylish and easier to park than a Leaf, while sharper-looking and more efficient than most Minis. Range is similar to or slightly lower than Mini and considerably less than Leaf, but city agility and parking are where the Fiat shines. Both the Mini and Fiat trade on character; Leaf offers more practicality for families. Comparisons like “fiat 500e vs mini cooper se” are common among EV shoppers.
Is there an Abarth or convertible version of the Fiat 500e in Australia?
Currently, the La Prima hatch is the only model officially offered, but Abarth and convertible variants are available in Europe and may follow depending on demand. “fiat 500e abarth” and “fiat 500e convertible for sale” are top searches, reflecting strong Australian interest. For the latest on trim and availability, check with local dealers or watch for official announcements. Special editions like the 500e Armani may also roll out in future.
What warranty, battery life, and service do Fiat 500e owners receive?
Buyers get a standard three-year/150,000km vehicle warranty and an eight-year/160,000km battery pack warranty. Battery degradation is minimal in well-cared-for EVs; most owners retain more than 70% capacity after six years. Service intervals are every 12 months or 15,000km, and maintenance costs are lower than for petrol 500 variants. Most Australian dealers offer battery health checks with scheduled service.
How big is the Fiat 500e inside and what about boot space?
It’s a four-seater city hatch with a 185-litre boot—enough for shopping or a weekend bag, but limited compared to larger EVs or crossovers. Front passengers enjoy more space and comfort than back-seat riders, where room is tight. The cabin feels airy thanks to slim pillars and clever design touches. Split-fold rear seats add some flexibility for small extra items.
Where in the world is the Fiat 500e made?
Fiat 500e is built in Italy at Fiat’s Mirafiori plant in Turin, tapping into over sixty years of city car heritage. “where is fiat 500e made” and “fiat 500e italy” are popular research queries for buyers seeking European-quality assembly. Models shipped to Australia meet local EV specs and warranty standards. Italian production adds authenticity to the car’s nostalgic appeal.
How much does a replacement battery cost and how long will it last?
Official battery prices vary, but current estimates put replacement costs between $8,000 and $12,000 AUD (parts and labour). Most batteries should last a decade or more with regular use and home charging. Warranty covers defects but not normal range reduction. Actual replacements are rare due to high durability.
How does home solar work with the Fiat 500e?
Charging via home solar is simple—set your EV to prioritise sunshine hours and enjoy near-free “fuel” for local trips. The small battery means most solar-powered homes can cover two to three daily commutes each day. Fast home charging lets night-time or off-peak energy cut bills for renters or apartment-dwellers. Pairing with government solar and charger rebates can mean ROI in under 3 years.
Is the Fiat 500e convertible as practical for daily use as the hatchback?
The convertible sacrifices little in front seat comfort and tech compared to the hatch, but boot space is tighter and rear visibility is more limited with the roof back. Fold-away design is quick and weather-sealed. Style, sun, and classic appeal are the main draws for the drop-top; practicality lies with the fixed-roof La Prima. For regular city use, both are equally easy to drive and park.
How easy is the Fiat 500e to charge on the public network in Australia?
All models use the common Type 2/CCS plug, compatible with Chargefox, Evie, and Tesla public DC chargers. Drivers can view station locations in the UConnect app or apps like Plugshare. Fast charge is possible at most major sites but not at all apartment chargers. Planning longer trips is wise as range is suited to city driving
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*Disclaimer: This page includes information, descriptions, and images that may have been created or enhanced with the assistance artificial intelligence, powered by our proprietary Ray-i (AI) technology system. While we do our best to ensure accuracy, specifications and details can vary between models, regions, and over time as manufacturers make updates. Images are for illustrative purposes, and the content is provided for general reference. For the most up-to-date specifications or features, we recommend checking directly with the manufacturer or your local dealer.