Fiat 500e 2024 review
Photo: AuHaidhausen (CC BY 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The Fiat 500e is proof that going electric does not mean giving up character. This retro-styled city car pairs its adorable looks with a thoroughly modern 42 kWh battery and 118 PS motor, offering up to 199 miles of WLTP range — and considerably more in pure city driving, where Fiat quotes up to 270 miles thanks to relentless regenerative braking in stop-start traffic. It is a car designed for urban Britain: just 3.6 metres long, with a tight turning circle that makes parking in crowded streets a doddle, and one-pedal driving that turns congested commutes into a calm glide. Inside, the cabin is a design statement, with a body-coloured dashboard panel, a 10.25-inch touchscreen and clever details like the door release button. An 85 kW rapid-charge rate fills the battery from 0 to 80 percent in 35 minutes, and a full home charge costs pocket money. As a second car or a stylish city runabout, the 500e is enormous fun.
UK price from: £28,195
Specifications
| Engine | Single electric motor, 42 kWh battery |
| Power | 118 PS (87 kW) |
| 0-60 mph | 9.0 seconds |
| Top speed | 93 mph |
| Fuel economy | 199 miles (WLTP range) |
| CO2 | 0 g/km |
| Boot space | 185 litres |
| Length | 3,632 mm |
| Transmission | Single-speed automatic |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive |
Features
- 118 PS electric motor with 220 Nm of torque
- 42 kWh battery with 199-mile WLTP range
- 85 kW CCS rapid charging (0-80% in 35 min)
- One-pedal driving with three regenerative modes
- 10.25-inch Uconnect touchscreen
- 7-inch digital instrument cluster
- Level 2 driver assistance (adaptive cruise, lane centring)
- 185-litre boot, expandable with folded rear seats
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin pollen filter | £19.99 | Compact filter; replace yearly for fresh cabin air |
| Front brake pads (set) | £54.99 | Rarely stressed thanks to one-pedal regen braking |
| 12V auxiliary battery | £84.99 | Keeps electronics alive; typical 4-year life |
| Wiper blades (pair) | £24.99 | Short aero blades sized for the 500e's screen |
| Tyre (185/65 R15) | £89.99 | Narrow efficiency tyre ideal for city range |
| Type 2 charging cable (4m) | £139.99 | Compact cable that fits the small boot |
Pros
- Irresistible retro styling inside and out
- Brilliant in the city with superb manoeuvrability
- Excellent urban range thanks to strong regeneration
- Affordable home charging and zero road tax
Cons
- Small boot limits practicality
- Rear seats are strictly occasional use
- Motorway range is modest
- 85 kW charging is slower than some rivals
