The Fiat 500e disappeared from the U.S. automotive landscape after 2019. But it’s back, and we think the new 2024 Fiat 500e is a small electric runabout well-suited for daily errands. It’s light, cute, affordable, and adequately equipped. It’s a gasoline-free solution for a city dweller, and it doesn’t pretend to be anything more than that.
With 118 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque delivered to the front wheels, the 500e won’t raise adrenaline levels. It has three driving modes: Normal, Range, and Sherpa. Normal is, well, normal, ideal for everyday use. Range maximizes the regenerative braking to the point of one-pedal operation. In this mode, the brakes engage as you ease pressure off the accelerator. Finally, Sherpa holds the top speed to 50 mph and reduces the power in the interest of extending the range as far as possible.
The max range for the new 2024 Fiat 500e is only 149 miles. While that’s way off of other new EVs like the Hyundai Kona Electric (estimated 260 miles), it’s identical to the Nissan Leaf S and better than the Mini Cooper SE (114 miles).
With a Level 3 DC fast charger, you can add 31 miles of range in five minutes and reach 80% of battery capacity in about 35 minutes. A Level 2 charger operating with a 240-volt connection, like that of an electric clothes dryer, requires up to about four hours and 15 minutes. Fiat includes a Level 2 charger box with every 500e.
You won’t mistake the 500e as anything but a Fiat. The 2024 model clings to some traditional styling cues inside and out. Yet, it’s thoroughly modern with a bundle of advanced safety technology and the Uconnect 5 infotainment interface operated through a generous 10.25-inch touchscreen.
Featuring a single trim level with the simple designation 500e, this small electric runabout is a refreshing approach to electric vehicles that seem to grow ever heavier with bigger and bigger batteries to increase range and price.
Fiat’s marketing strategy is to “drop” special-edition models from time to time. The opening gambit, the (RED) edition, goes on sale in January 2024.
What’s New:
The 2024 Fiat 500e is all-new. Look for it in early 2024.
Our Recommendation:
An ideal EV for urban driving, the 2024 Fiat 500e makes sense for city-bound owners without aspirations of traveling anywhere far.
Prices are current at the time of publishing.
500e
Starts at $32,500 | See listings
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Uconnect 5 infotainment
- 10.25-inch touchscreen
- Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
- Automatic climate control
- 7-inch color driver-info display
- Proximity keyless entry
- LED exterior lighting
- Rain-sensing wipers
- One-pedal driving
- See more
2024 Fiat 500e: $32,500
The 2024 Fiat 500e sticks to a single trim level, eschewing upscale trappings like power-adjustable seats, leather seating, and mood lighting. However, the 500e is equipped with the convenience essentials and then some. In its introductory (500) Red edition, the red exterior is matched by a red dashboard and other red accents inside.
We like the Range driving mode with its one-pedal driving. Rolling on 17-inch alloy wheels, the relatively lightweight Fiat 500e features LED auto-on/off headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights. Power front windows, door locks, and outboard mirrors are standard, as is proximity keyless entry, allowing the driver’s door to unlock automatically if you have the key fob. Push-button start and rain-sensing wipers are also included.
Inside, you get cloth seating for four, single-zone automatic climate control, a 12-volt power port, a 7-inch color driver-information display, and a 6-way manually adjustable driver’s seat. A tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, seven airbags, a center console with a leather armrest, and wireless smartphone charging are standard, too.
The Uconnect 5 infotainment interface provides a 6-speaker audio system, Wi-Fi capability, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Alexa voice assistant, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, and navigation. HD Radio and satellite radio capability are included, as well.
On the advanced safety front, the technologies include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Drowsy Driver Detection, and adaptive cruise control. Among the other advanced systems are lane-departure warning, rear park assist, and traffic sign recognition.
At this early stage, it doesn’t appear that Fiat will offer any options for this initial 500e model, created in partnership with the (RED) global health initiative. Future editions’ starting prices and features may vary.
Adding the $1,595 factory destination fee to the base price, the 2024 Fiat 500e costs $34,095. With $0 down, financing for 60 months at 5% interest works out to a monthly payment of about $643. See 2024 Fiat 500e models for sale near you
2024 Fiat 500e includes:
Proximity keyless entry — The driver’s door automatically unlocks if you have the key fob, which also enables the push-button start.
Rain-sensing wipers — When the system senses moisture on the windshield, it automatically engages the wipers. The wiper speed adjusts according to the volume of the rain.
One-pedal driving — This function allows one pedal to control the acceleration and braking of the 500e. Braking is achieved by releasing pressure on the accelerator pedal, which can even bring the vehicle to a complete stop. It is a function of an EV’s regenerative brake system, which helps to charge the battery during vehicle deceleration.
