All-Electric Fiat 500e Returns to North American; Longer Range, Still Very Italian

We’ve known for a while now that Fiat was planning on bringing back an all-electric version of the pint-sized 500 to North America. By now, you’re probably familiar with the stereotypical battery-electric naming schemes, so the name “500e” is no shock; but, what may surprise you is that it will arrive on our shores in early 2024.

In particular, we’re talking about the 2024 Fiat 500e RED (officially typed out as “(500e)RED”), arriving as the introductory member of the 500e collection. Already proven as a “benchmark city car” in Europe, according to Fiat, the new 500e will be better equipped to gain that same status in America.

To refresh your memory, the original battery-electric Fiat 500e went on sale in California in 2013, with availability elsewhere the following year. But, its appeal was severely limited by a certified combined range of only 87 miles. Despite a very low cost lease, sales were less than expected, and the model was pulled from U.S. sales in 2019. Shortly thereafter, Fiat announced a new generation of the 500e, and that is the car that is now due here soon.

At first glance of the specs, the new 500e certainly shows it’s built more for American urban living, with an expanded range of 149 miles. For those living in congested areas, its small size should also prove attractive, measuring out to just 143-inches on a 91-inch wheelbase, sliding into back alleys with ease with a width under 75-inches. The 2+2 arrangement means you can fit two lucky passengers in the back, but the 29-inches of rear legroom will require stretch breaks should you decide to go the distance.

That small size also means a relatively small 42kWh battery pack. But, beyond the stated 149 mile range, longer hauls should be doable if the infrastructure along your route is up to par. With charging up to 85kW, Fiat anticipates a 5 minute recharge to recover 31 miles, with an 80-percent charge-up taking about 35 minutes. On-road performance is proportional to its size, finishing 0-60 mph sprints in 8.5 seconds and maxing out at an estimated 94 mph, the single motor producing 118 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque.

Acceleration is certainly aided by form factor as, at just over 3,000 pounds, the 500e is considerably lighter than other segment entries. Two of the three drive modes shift the focus to energy efficiency– “Range,” which activates one-pedal driving and optimizes regenerative braking, and “Sherpa,” maximizing efficiency so that drivers can reach their destination or the nearest charger. Sherpa mode also reduces top speed to 50 mph, reducing power output from 87kW to 57kW; though, full throttle will still provide full power. Speed is displayed through the 7-inch digital gauge cluster, joined by a 10.25-inch infotainment screen utilizing Uconnect 5.

You don’t need us to tell you that 149 miles is still not a lot of driving distance, even in the realm of fully electric vehicles, nor is an 8.5-second 0-60 time an example of the instantaneous “power on tap” that makes some EVs so enjoyable; but, really consider the 500e’s stature, purpose and targeted buyers, and it makes plenty sense. This is even more apparent with the value in mind, starting at $34,095, including Fiat’s $1,595 destination charge. And with that price of admission, Fiat is including either an Level 2 Wallbox charge system or charge credits through Free2Move Charge, said to ease the transition to electrification.

The 2024 Fiat 500e is part of the company’s “Dare Forward 2030” plan, an initiative to put the brand at 50 percent EV sales in North America and 100 percent in Europe by 2030.