Fiat 500e 2022 Test: A Small Electric Car That Knows How to Charm

Well-equipped, very smooth for daily use, and rather understated, the electric Fiat 500e may only be lacking in affordability, but makes up for it with its charm.

The Fiat 500 remains one of the most loved automotive purchases. The one called the yogurt pot was launched in 1957, an icon of mobility in Italy. It then faded into obscurity with its 1980s and 1990s generations, the Cinquecento and Seicento.

But on April 4th, the small city car made a comeback with a successful retro style. Since 2007, the Fiat 500 had only been available with a petrol engine. Now, its new generation is exclusively electric with a dedicated platform. In fact, it’s the only car that will benefit from this, as the upcoming SUV versions 500X or Lancia will use a Stellantis platform. Too bad, because the base was solid.

Intro, style, livability: 4/5

Pretty, livable, well-presented but tiny trunk

First, the car’s design is inevitably the most appealing aspect. Though wider and more compact, the transalpine city car, more masculine in style, boasts a superb sketch. The diode daytime running lights with eyebrow shape and widened wheel arches retain the vehicle’s charm, especially in our La Prima launch edition with a changing blue hue depending on the light.

This also enhances its more premium look, which seems somewhat strange for a traditionally affordable Fiat brand—perhaps to stand out from the Panda? The interior seems to reflect this break more strongly, shedding the past. Only the steering wheel, with its two spokes, hints at nostalgia, while the numerous buttons reveal modernity. Behind, the 100% digital instruments and the large 10.25-inch screen are entirely new, and the air vents subtly integrated into the dashboard design, with a central space for a phone, are practical. It also offers a small USB-A port and wireless charging.

Note that switching from drive (D) to reverse (R), neutral (N), or parking (P) is done via a simple button, while the driving modes are selected with a rotary knob between the seats. We would have preferred the modes to be the opposite, but we got used to it. The same for the volume buttons, relocated here. Another initially confusing choice is the absence of door handles, replaced by buttons!

And seated in this small cockpit, the feeling isn’t of being cramped despite the 3.63-meter length and just 1.73 meters wide. Our large size was no problem, even in the back where knees didn’t hit the front seats completely. However, this comes at the expense of the 185-liter trunk, one of the smallest on the market. It’s more confined than on a Mini Electric but better than a Honda e. No small hatch for cables, which will clutter the floor. At least, the rear seats are easy to fold for more space, though they could fold flatter.

Tech, performance, and driving of the Fiat 500e: 4/5

Powerful and silent, lively and smooth

The Fiat-provided electric 500 is the La Prima launch version. It features the largest battery/motor duo among the two available options. The base version has 95 hp/23.8 kWh, while our Cinquecento had the 87 kW (118 hp) motor with the same 220 Nm torque, coupled with the 42 kWh (37.3 useful) battery.

This power exceeds that of the older 500s, which ranged between 70 and 85 hp. But it’s not enough to match the sporty Abarth models, especially since the weight of 1,320 kg is roughly 30% heavier than the petrol version. Honestly, acceleration under 50 km/h feels very brisk, less beyond that, but the Fiat 500e easily reaches 130 km/h, with a top speed limited to 135 km/h.

And all of this is achieved quietly, thanks to good soundproofing. Likewise, aerodynamic noises are not disturbing because the car is slim. You can switch between “Normal,” “Sherpa” (limiting power), and “Range” modes. The last enhances regeneration with one-pedal driving, allowing for full stop (we love it!).

In terms of comfort, it’s more mixed. The seats are a bit firm for long trips, and the car often bounces. The brand has set very soft suspensions, giving a rebound effect. However, this helps smooth out road imperfections. Coupled with direct steering and a chassis glued to the road, you can even play a little with the Fiat 500 in quick turns—though not too aggressively, given the narrow tires and risk of losing control if over-steered.

Battery, range, and charging of the Fiat 500e: 5/5

Very fast charging and low consumption

The Fiat 500e tested features the large battery, promising between 300 and 320 km of range. We tested various routes—highway, fast lanes, city, motorway—to get an overall idea. Over a week, we recorded an average consumption of 14 kWh/100 km, at the low end of WLTP estimates (14 to 14.9). It tends to consume less in urban zones with light traffic (8 kWh/100 km), but doubles that (15 kWh/100 km) with frequent stops and acceleration. On an 80-90 km/h route, expect 14-15 kWh/100 km, and 16-18 at 110 km/h. We managed over 250 km on a full battery, mostly on highways and fast lanes. Less than the theoretical 300 km, but more than enough for daily city use.

Regarding charging, our version supports 85 kW fast charging, compared to only 50 kW on the smaller 500e Action battery. We only reached 70 kW peak on a station rated up to 150 kW, likely due to 10°C temperature. It charged from 23% to 80% in just 22 minutes for only €11 at Electra, ideal for a quick break or a quick shopping trip.

At home, a standard 7.4 kW wallbox takes about 6 hours, or 11 hours 30 minutes on a 3.7 kW dedicated socket. It costs around 4 euros for 80% charge and doubles to 8 euros on a public station or with 11 kW three-phase AC.

Equipment, safety tech, connectivity: 4/5

Almost complete, nearly flawless

Very modern despite its still somewhat retro style, the Fiat 500e offers a wealth of equipment. Its central screen is a first-rate feature—modern, with clear fonts and a responsive touchscreen. The menus are numerous, with many adjustable settings including brightness for day/night, disabling certain functions, etc. Navigation, which can be transferred to the instruments, is very clear via a simple interface, even 3D in city driving. Connectivity is also very straightforward with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The systems smoothly launch music or calls on a high-quality audio system. However, voice commands are less reliable, particularly for GPS addresses or radio changes.

In driving, the gauges are very intuitive. A small drawback is that the ideal driving position obstructs part of the view at the steering wheel. A head-up display would have been useful. Despite that, the gauges are clear, as are the various battery and cruise control indicators.

Regarding semi-automated driving, it’s impressive, though it sometimes misses triggers without reason. Aside from these minor glitches, you can trust the 500 electric, which adjusts its speed and steering effortlessly, whether in sunlight, rain, or curves. Not too tight curves, though, as the narrow tires mean you should stay alert to avoid sudden steering responses if the car feels lost.

Summary + Price: 17/20

Here we come to the realistically priced segment. The modern Fiat 500 rarely used to be affordable. The latest 100% electric version is even less so. It starts at €25,400 for the small battery version with Action trim—a typical compact sedan price! However, the bonus subsidy helps bring it below €20,000.

Our La Prima test model was the top-of-the-line version, priced at €35,900, or €29,900 after the eco bonus. Keep in mind that convertible and 3+1 door versions are even more expensive! Its price is comparable to small chic city cars like the Mini Electric or Honda e, or the Renault ZOE R135, which is larger and offers better range.