2024 Fiat 500e: Affordable Electric Luxury

Fiat: Back in U.S. with Impressive Range and Price

The United States currently has an urgent requirement for electric cars that are easily accessible to the average public. As of now, making a random choice between new electric vehicles would be likely to result in a spend of no less than $50,000. This sum is often out of reach for many, even those who are taking their first steps into something unknown.

Breaking news: Mark your calendars! Expect the newly redesigned 2024 Fiat 500e to be available for purchase at the beginning of the upcoming year. After briefly discontinuing in America, the famous Italian city car will make a comeback– and it was officially unveiled on Tuesday to the public. The vehicle has already been sold in Europe since 2020.

The initial version of the (500e)RED edition will cost an estimated $34,095 with a customary $1,595 destination fee. Even though this is definitely not a bargain-price, it’s still cheaper compared to the regular price of EVs these days measured by Kelley Blue Book in October which was $51,762 on average.

Fiat intends to issue future models in restricted amounts, similar to how fashion firms distribute their products. While I’m not so sure people would be just as eager to get the newest Fiat coloration like they are for Supreme sweater-hoodies, the firm believes there is something to this plan.

Just as its predecessor, the new Fiat 500e offers two doors, four chairs, a classic look, and an exceedingly small size tailor-made to fit in even the most slim parking slots. In a period when carmakers persist on huge electric trucks and SUVs, some patrons may treasure a genuinely miniature and power-saving choice. Plus, Fiat reports that the renovated model is lengthier and broader than ever before, resulting in additional interior room.

The zesty-hued interior of the 500eRED boasts several crimson embellishments, a round-edged dashboard display, and a glossy red dashboard insert. In addition to the 7-inch monitor that faces the driver, it’s also outfitted with a 10.25-inch central touchscreen — both running with the support of both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Provided the 500e is billed thoroughly, it should be able to fulfill its stated range.It’s time for the must-know details: range and charging capabilities. Fiat believes the 500e can manage 149 miles on a single charge, approximately what you would expect from a car of such small dimensions with an relatively miniscule 42-kilowatt-hour battery pack. As long as the 500e is fully energized up, there should be no reason why it couldn’t reach its advertised distance.

The 500e will be sold with a Level 2 charger that customers can have put in either their driveway or garage. When plugged in to a Level 2 port (faster than the usual wall plug but not as swift as DC public quick-charging), the hatchback can charge its battery in four hours and 15 minutes, explains Fiat.

Weighing its capability using a DC quick begin station (the more intense type situated at street breaks and Tesla Supercharger aims), the 500e can recharge from vacant to 80% in an impressive 35 minutes, according to Fiat. The 500e limits out at an energizing pace of 85 kW, marginally slower than other electric vehicles. In any case, it all manifold out, as the vehicle’s moderately little battery pack doesn’t require much time to charge.

The 118 horses and 162 lb-ft of torque of the motor vehicle make it possible to get to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds according to Fiat. There are three driving modes available. For a normal ride, you can select the ‘Normal’ mode. Alternatively, the ‘Range’ option tightens up the regenerative braking providing an increase in power to the battery pack while slowing the car down. Lastly, the humorously dubbed ‘Sherpa’ setting maximizes the available range by restricting the car’s highest speed and its power output.

In what could be considered an interesting or eye-catching story, the 500e does not just create the normal hum of sound necessary for those on foot to become aware of its presence when travelling at slow speeds. Instead, it “sings.”

Through Fiat, pedestrians get an exclusive treat of Italian culture with the ‘The Sound of 500’ song composed by Flavio Ibba-Marco Gualdi. This Acoustic Vehicle Alert System (AVAS) is no nuisance, but instead offers a melodic experience upon each excursion.

So, is the 500e a worthwhile purchase? It depends on what you are in search of. Competing models such as the Mini Electric have approximately the same price tag as the 500e but only offer 114 miles of range. On the other hand, the highly reliable Nissan Leaf has an entry-level model starting from around $25,000 (considering the $3,750 federal tax credit) with a 149 mile range. Also, a 259 mile Chevrolet Bolt is attainable at roughly $20,000, with the added benefit of a $7,500 incentive from the government.

Shoppers who don’t require a car with extensive journey limits, and are seeking something that can be easily parked in any location, the 500e could well suit their requirements.