2024 Fiat 500e

EVs are coming in all shapes and sizes these days, but few have a more recognizable shape than this pint-sized Fiat 500e. After all, it first arrived on our shores more than a decade ago. Well, much has changed since then, and there’s an all-new, second-gen 500e now hitting the streets. So, let’s see if it can keep the Fiat brand relevant here in the U.S.

Fiat returned to the U.S. for 2012 with the cute and subcompact 500. Their lineup quickly expanded with several 500-based models, including the all-electric 500e. They even launched a Mazda Miata-based roadster, the 124 Spider. Who would have thought that 12 years on, the only one left would be that 500e? For 2024, it kicks off its 2nd generation here.

At least they left us with not just any 500e, but a La Prima 500e. According to Fiat, it is “Inspired by Beauty,” as one of four trims initially available. There’s also Inspired by Music, Inspired by Los Angeles, and (RED), in parentheses, representing Fiat’s commitment to helping fight global health emergencies. A Giorgio Armani Collector’s Edition is due in 2025.

Our Inspired by Beauty 500e came painted in Rose Gold, which we have to admit may not be beautiful to everyone. But, have no fear, there are plenty of other colors available, one of which we will be adding soon to our long-term test fleet. We actually love most everything else about the exterior of this charming character, boldly showcasing its Italian flair while bringing iconic 500e style and classic proportions to the electrified era.

And it’s quite fun to drive too. Not exactly on the MINI Cooper level, but it certainly has some of that go-kart vibe, with lots of weight down low in its wide and short platform along with quick steering that has you wanting to dart in and around traffic. There’s no lack of safety and convenience features packed into this tiny package. Automatic Emergency Braking and Lane Keep Assist are standard, and inside you’ll find plenty of charge ports and even wireless device charging and integration. There’s also some fine stitch work and subtle reminders of its provenance. Front seats are plenty spacious for even large adults. The rear seats? Well, except for little ones, you’d best just fold them down for added cargo room and think of this as a two-seater hatchback.

The 500e’s single 87-kW motor powers its front wheels to the tune of 117 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. A 42-kWh battery charges at a max rate of 85 kW, getting you to 80% in 35 minutes on DC fast charging; but charging to 100% on Level 2 only takes 6 hours, so you can easily charge it overnight at home. The 500e’s maximum driving range is rated at 149 miles, but with all-season tires it drops to 141. Not to worry, as we were on pace for 174 miles in our driving loop. And using just 29 kWh of electricity per 100 miles, the 500e is quite efficient.

It’s not fast by EV standards, but quicker than most combustion engine subcompacts, even spinning up the tires quite a bit at our Mason Dixon test track. We got to 60 in a pretty quick 7.9 seconds; but that was also where things started to taper off. Speedometer numbers were definitely building less quickly towards the end of the quarter-mile, but for a tiny car it felt plenty smooth and stable down the track. We finished the quarter-mile in 16.2 seconds at 84 mph. There are three drive modes including “Range,” where regenerative braking allows for smooth one-pedal driving.

The 500e felt even better in our handling course, light steering and minimal understeer had us zipping in and out of cones with ease, with the kind of playfulness and toss-ability you can only get in a small car. We found we could push incredibly hard before there was any intervention from stability systems. The only things less than perfect were a touch too much body roll, and the lack of bolstering in the seats to keep us from sliding around. Coming in just under 3,000 lbs., the 500e weighs less than many ICE cars on the road. And that was evident in our braking test, where distance averaged a short 99 feet; stops were straight, fade free, and with very little nosedive.

Perhaps the most gorgeous thing of all about this new 500e is its price tag before incentives, starting with the (RED) at $34,095; from there, Inspired by Beauty, Music, and Los Angeles all have unique features, and all sticker for $37,595. That’s an inviting on-ramp to the EV lifestyle highway, especially if you can catch a cheap lease, though with the limited amount of driving range we wouldn’t stay on there for too long.

But that just means the Fiat 500e is perfectly suited for city dwellers, short distance commuters, and anyone looking for a second car for daily errands that quickly “fills-up” at home every night. Everyone should make room for a little Italian flair in their life, and that’s the Fiat 500e– equal parts charming, quirky, and fun.