Navigating the bustling streets of Midtown Sacramento in the 2024 Fiat 500e RED, I couldn’t help but appreciate the vehicle’s nimble handling and compact size. The electric motor’s instant torque made darting through traffic a breeze. Swiftly changing lanes for the hard to find parking spots that would challenge larger vehicles was effortless.
On my way to grab a coffee from a local coffee shop, I maneuvered through tight alleyways and crowded intersections with ease. The 500e’s responsive steering and compact dimensions allowed me to slip into a curbside spot that most cars would have passed by.
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Vehicle Specifications
The 2024 Fiat 500e is powered by a single permanent-magnet electric motor that produces 117 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque.
This front-wheel-drive hatchback features a 37.0 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, providing an EPA-estimated range of 162 miles. I averaged about 130 miles on a single charge.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Permanent-magnet synchronous AC electric motor |
| Horsepower | 117 hp |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft |
| Drive Type | Front-wheel drive |
| Transmission | Single-speed direct-drive automatic |
| Battery Pack | 37.0 kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion |
| Onboard Charger | 11.0 kW |
| Peak DC Fast-Charge Rate | 85 kW |
| EPA-estimated Range | 149 miles (with summer tires), 141 miles (with all-season tires) |
| 0-60 mph Time | Approximately 7.8 seconds (independent tests) |
| Top Speed | 94 mph (50 mph in Sherpa mode) |
| Front Suspension | Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion beam |
| Brakes (Front/Rear) | 11.0-in vented disc / 8.0-in drum |
| Tires | Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Elect |
| Length | 143.0 inches |
| Width (with mirrors) | 74.1 inches |
| Height | 66.3 inches |
| Wheelbase | 91.4 inches |
| Ground Clearance | 4.5 inches |
| Curb Weight | 2,952 lbs |
| Turning Circle | 31.5 ft |
| Seating Capacity | 4 passengers |
The 500e offers three driving modes: Normal, Range, and Sherpa. In Sherpa mode, the top speed is limited to 50 mph to maximize the range. I drove in Normal for my drive time. While official 0-60 mph times aren’t provided by Fiat, independent tests suggest it’s around 7.8 seconds.
Throughout my time with the Fiat 500e, the acceleration was more than adequate for urban, downtown or midtown environments. Merging onto highways and overtaking slower traffic was surprisingly effortless.
I found the ride quality to be somewhat choppy due to the solid beam axle rear suspension and low-profile tires. Given the limited range, this is not the vehicle for longer drives or heading out of town.
For 2024, the Fiat 500e stands out in the compact EV segment. Here’s how it compares to some competitors:
| Vehicle | Power | Range | Base MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiat 500e | 117 hp | 162 miles | $34,095 |
| Mini Cooper SE | 181 hp | 114 miles | $30,900 |
| Chevrolet Bolt EV | 200 hp | 259 miles | $26,500 |
The 500e offers a balance between range and price, positioning itself as a stylish urban runabout with more range than the Mini but less than the Bolt.
The charging times for the 2024 Fiat 500e vary depending on the charging method used. Here’s a breakdown of the different charging options:
Level 1 Charging
- Charging Time: Approximately 19 hours from 0% to 100%.
- Range Added: About 3-5 miles of range per hour.
Level 2 Charging
- Charging Time: Approximately 6.2 hours from 0% to 100%.
- Range Added: About 12-16 miles of range per hour.
DC Fast Charging
- Charging Time: From 0% to 80% in about 35 minutes.
- Full charge: (0% to 100%) in approximately 60 minutes.
2024 Fiat 500e Trim Options
The 2024 Fiat 500e is available in several trims, all of which share these specifications:
- Battery: 42 kWh
- Range: Up to 320 km
- 0-100 km/h: 9.0 seconds
- Top Speed: 150 km/h
Entry-Level: (RED) Edition
- Starting MSRP: $32,500
- Red exterior color
- 17-inch aluminum wheels
- Black cloth seats with red accents
- Heated front seats
Mid-Range: INSPI(RED)
- Starting MSRP: $34,095
- Tuxedo black and chrome exterior color
- Cream-colored synthetic leather interior
- Heated front seats
- Black interior accents
- JBL premium audio system
Premium: Inspired by Beauty
- Starting MSRP: $36,000
- Rose gold finish exterior color
Premium: Inspired by Los Angeles
- Starting MSRP: $36,000
- With a Marine Layer Mist body color, dark gray mirror caps and 17-inch diamond cut wheels, the FIAT® 500e Inspired By Los Angeles exudes a sense of chill shoreline style.
- Heated eco-leather-trimmed seats.
The 500e comes equipped with a Uconnect infotainment system featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The dashboard houses a digital instrument cluster and a central touchscreen for controlling various vehicle functions.
A wireless Qi charging spot is cleverly integrated into the lower portion of the dashboard, which I made great use of.
Despite its diminutive exterior, the 500e offers surprising headroom. As a medium-sized driver, I found ample clearance above my head, while a taller friend was able to comfortable fit as well, with the seat lowered.
The interior features a mix of modern and retro design elements, with a red dashboard that adds a unique aesthetic touch.
The seats feature subtle “FIAT” patterns, “Made in Torino” mentions, and the overall design includes various Easter eggs reminiscent of those found in Jeep vehicles (both brands being under the Stellantis umbrella).
Cargo space is limited, with room for about half a dozen grocery bags or a couple of small suitcases.
The car’s compact size, adequate range, and distinctive Italian design make it a compelling option for city dwellers seeking an electric runabout with personality.
While it may not be suited for long-distance travel, it excels in its intended environment – the bustling city streets where maneuverability and charm are paramount.
Iconic Fiat 500 History
The Fiat 500, an iconic Italian automobile, has a rich history spanning over six decades. Its story began in 1957 when Fiat introduced the Nuova 500, designed by Dante Giacosa.
This compact car was created to meet the needs of post-war Italy, offering affordable and practical transportation for the masses.
The original Fiat 500, measuring just over 9 feet in length, featured a rear-mounted 479 cc two-cylinder engine producing a modest 13 horsepower. Its diminutive size and rear-engine layout made it exceptionally agile, perfect for navigating narrow Italian streets.
The car quickly gained popularity, becoming a symbol of Italy’s economic recovery and urban mobility.
Throughout the 1960s, Fiat continued to refine the 500, introducing several variants including the 500 D, 500 F, and 500 L.
These iterations brought improvements in engine performance, body design, and features, further cementing the 500’s status as one of Italy’s most beloved automobiles. The original run of the Fiat 500 concluded in 1975 with the 500 R (Rinnovata) series.
After a hiatus of over three decades, Fiat revived the 500 nameplate in 2007. This modern interpretation retained the classic’s charm while incorporating contemporary design elements and technologies.
The new 500 offered various versions, including a convertible and the performance-oriented Abarth trim.
More recently, Fiat has embraced electrification, introducing the 500e, the all-electric variant of the iconic city car.
This move represents the latest chapter in the Fiat 500’s evolution, adapting to changing environmental concerns while maintaining its distinctive style and urban practicality.
Throughout its history, the Fiat 500 has remained true to its original concept: a small, efficient, and stylish city car.
Total Miles Driven: 163.
Conditions Driven: City driving, light rain.
Article Last Updated: January 2, 2025.
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Michael Kahn is the publisher of The Weekly Driver, serving as writer, photographer, and content creator. With a keen eye for storytelling and a passion for adventure, he specializes in uncovering the stories and experiences of automobile enthusiasts. Michael’s work is inspired by his love for off-the-beaten-path road trips, global exploration, and the pursuit of exceptional culinary experiences, all captured through the lens of a world traveler and automotive enthusiast.