The 2024 Fiat 500e All-Electric Minicompact vehicle

The Fiat 500e All-Electric is quite a paradoxical little vehicle. It looks absolutely cute but totally impractical. Or is it? This latest version of Fiat’s Italian shoebox is the battery-powered version of the Fiat 500 Cinquecento, and it’s out to prove that there is a market for inexpensive electric vehicles. Thinking the 500e is the perfect solution for young urban dwellers needing local transportation, Fiat reintroduced the 500e to the US market. Is Fiat on to something? Napleton News gives you this shocking report.

Under the hood of the Fiat 500e

While many electric vehicles have a “frunk” or front trunk under what would normally be the hood, the Fiat 500e All-Electric stores the power unit. The main reason is the 500e is so small, there is literally no place to locate the drive unit. This power unit generates 118 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. In the grand scheme of things that’s a miniscule amount but considering how light the car is, it’s more than adequate. It also offers one-pedal driving, which allows the driver to drive or brake depending on the pressure applied on the skinny pedal. It’s not going to stop the vehicle in a panic stop situation so drivers will need to press hard on the brakes if necessary.

The range is our only disappointment with the 500e. It checks in around 155 miles per full charge. That makes the Fiat 500e a city car at best. On the plus side, since its battery is smaller than average, it charges faster. We managed to charge it from 60-to-100 percent in about seven hours.

The looks are what it’s all about.

The Fiat 500e is available in three trim levels ranging from the anything but subtle (RED) model to the mid-level Music model to the highline Fiat 500e Beauty version, which tops out at nearly $38,000.

The look of this quintessential Italian is unmistakable and has evolved from the model that appeared a few years ago. If you are a big guy, like I am, you may look a bit ridiculous in it. But being trendy sometimes comes with a bit of ridiculousness built-in.

Inside, it’s a mashup of red, er (RED) and black highlighted by a 7-inch gauge cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment display. The front seats are very comfortable, the rear seats and their limited legroom (29.5 inches) are less so. They are more functional as a cargo shelf after an owner folds them forward.

Behind the wheel of the Fiat 500e All-Electric

It’s a bit of fun when you get behind the wheel of the 500e. I mean, just look at it! You can’t help but smile. Gear selector buttons reside at the base of the center console, but can be a bit fiddly. In fact, the starter button is the most fiddly bit. It tells you to step on the brake pedal to start the motor. This is all while you have already been stepping on the brakes.

Stepping on the accelerator finds a car that is ready to romp. Pickup is rather spritely and makes for a very fun drive. The agility of the 500e is actually a lot of fun. It seemingly asks for the driver to toss it into a corner (Thank you, sir. May I have another?).

To which we respond, Why, yes!

2024 Fiat 500e All-Electric Specifications

Engine Type	Electric Motor
Horsepower	117 hp
Torque	162 lb-ft
Transmission	Automatic
EPA Electric Fuel Economy Equivalent (Combined/City/Hwy)	110/121/100 MPG
Suspension F/R	MacPherson Strut / Multi-link
Turning Circle	31.5 ft.
Also Available	Other trim levels.
Specs
Warranty	3 years/40,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty	5 years/60,000 miles
NHTSA Safety Rating	Not Rated (2023)
Max Seating Capacity	4 passengers
Wheelbase	91.4 inches
Overall Length	142.9 inches
Width	64.1 inches
Height	66.3 inches
Cargo Room (Trunk)	9.5 Cubic Feet
Headroom, Front	39.3 inches
Headroom, 2nd	35.4 inches
Legroom, 1st	41.8 inches
Legroom, 2nd	29.4 inches
Shoulder room, 1st row	51.1 inches
Shoulder room, 2nd row	47.8 inches