Fiat All-Electric 500 Review

The Fiat 500 electric gets two battery pack options, as well as a choice of hatch or cabrio body styles and three trim levels. It might look like a facelift of the previous car, but when it was introduced in 2022, it was a completely new car on an all-new platform. Thanks to a 60mm increase in length and width, it looks more imposing than its super-successful predecessor, and the design team have done a fantastic job with the detailing and overall look. 

WLTP range for the 118bhp Fiat 500e 42kWh is 199 miles, which isn't bad at all for such a dinky battery, but it's worth noting that the Renault 5 E-Tech and electric Mini Cooper both go further to a charge. Rapid charging can be done at up to 85kW (42kWh battery only), which works out at a 10-80% zap in around 30 minutes. 

The 94bhp Fiat 500e 24kWh charges more slowly, at up to 50kW, but because it's such a small battery it'll still take around 30 minutes for a 10-80% charge.

Fans of the existing 500 will be pleased to hear that it’s not going away; it’ll remain on sale alongside the All-Electric 500 for the foreseeable future, offering a mild hybrid petrol version for those not ready to go fully electric just yet. 

​Check out the used electric Fiat 500s for sale on Electrifying.com​

The 500’s interior is arguably its greatest area of progression over the previous generation – even taking into account the switch to electric. The driving position is now comfortable – it’s set lower and has a decent range of movement to the wheel and seat, which you couldn’t say of its predecessor. It also gets the 10-inch touchscreen system which delivers the features you expect in 2020. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, as is TomTom nav, USB connectivity and more. For all the retro focus, there are some very modern touches including push-button door releases, and even fabric made from recycled ocean-waste plastic. What hasn’t changed for this new era of the 500 is that you’ll still struggle to get adults or taller kids comfortable in the small back seats, so you might want to consider the Citroen e-C3 or Renault 5 if passenger space is a priority - not least as they both get five doors, while the Fiat is three-door only.

On the road, the 500e is just what it needs to be: fun. It’s not as engaging as the MINI or Renault, but super-light yet predictable steering and a tight turning circle of 9.6m makes it joyously easy to wind through town or around awkward multi-storey car parks. What’s less ideal is the ride comfort which, on the 17-inch wheels, is fairly choppy over poor urban surfaces. It won't be a deal-breaker for most drivers, and it's certainly more comfortable than the very firm electric Mini Cooper, but you get bobbed and jostled about in the Fiat 500e if the road surface is scrappy. 

Verdict

The Fiat 500 is an impressively desirable electric car, chiefly thanks to its fantastic design. It looks absolutely brilliant in any colour or trim, and we reckon it's going to age with just as much timeless grace as the 500s that have gone before it. However, newer alternatives offer longer range and more practicality for less money, so the 500 is a tricky one to justify. Even so, if looking good about town is your priority, the 500 remains one of the best options.

​Read on for a more in depth look at the All-Electric 500's range, practicality, performance and pricing.​