Fiat 500e 2024 – Annual cars

Miami, Florida- One model doesn’t make a brand, but the Fiat 500 is the flagship of this Italian brand and a sleek electric model like the 2024 Fiat 500e is sure to impress. This is not enough to get the Stellantis division back on its feet, but at least the first step towards some revival.

Fiat 500e 2024: still good

The 500 has lost none of its charm. It continues the retro-modern style of the previous generation, with an emphasis on better interior space. Two versions will be released in Canada. The base Fiat 500e is called Red and is the cheapest electric car in Canada at $39,995. Those who want a little more “dolce Vita” will go for the La Prima version for $44,995. The latter adds stylish touches such as body-colored mirror caps and chrome daytime running lights (DLO). The Prima is the only version available in rose gold, while also offering Tuxedo Black and Glacier White exterior colors.

More modern interior

If you face the generation that came to us in 2012, you will have less congestion. The cabin is open and you have more head and shoulder room, at least in the front. The rear seats are closer to the relief than to the actual passengers. The dashboard is adorned with a 10.3-inch infotainment screen with a 7.0-inch UConnect 5 system also standard in front of the driver, with an odometer and battery charge status. A wireless smartphone charging pad is on the menu, as is in-dash navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio with Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto systems. Those who choose the La Prima version add a JBL audio system with 7 speakers and a subwoofer.

227 km of freedom

The 500e offers a range of 227 kilometers thanks to a 42 kWh battery with a Level 2 (11 kW) charging time of four hours and 15 minutes. The car is powered by a 117 horsepower electric motor with 162 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive is the only option and acceleration to 100 km/h happens in 8.5 seconds. Nothing too spectacular, but no one will buy this car for its crazy performance. The battery can be recharged at a DC charging station with a maximum power of 85 kW, which is enough to increase the range by 50 km in just five minutes, according to Fiat.

Comfortable and friendly

The seats are covered in retro fabric made from recycled plastic. They are comfortable for a city car and do not cause much pain on long journeys. The cushion is short and flat, however, and there is no adjustable lumbar support. Headroom is good because of the domed roof shape. However, the high driving position requires you to look over the windshield, which becomes annoying after a while. The 500e comes with basic driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking and lane keeping assist, but more advanced technologies like cruise control with lane centering are available as options. Prima introduces the Level 2 operating system for the first time on a FIAT model in North America. This technology combines cruise control with lane keeping assist to help the driver on certain roads. The Fiat 500e is the first electric vehicle in its segment to offer Level 2 driver assistance technology.

On the road

The 500 has three drive modes: Normal, Range and Sherpa. Normal mode provides only a little regeneration, similar to breaking the engine in a petrol car; and Sherpa mode is like Range mode, but turns off the air conditioning and slows down to 80 km/h. The brake pedal works fine. Handling isn’t particularly engaging, but neither city car is impressive. This car is designed for city driving at low speeds and the parameters of the car are designed for this purpose. So, adequate care is required here. Our 17-inch tires provided excellent grip. Our 50 km trip was mainly in the city of Miami with small sections of freeway. Perfect location for this car.

Conclusion

Fiat was proud to announce that the 500e is becoming the most expensive electric car in Canada. The Red model starts at $39,995. Taking into account the provincial rebate in Quebec of 7,000 and the federal rebate of $5,000, the cost price before tax for the basic structure is $31,753 or $36,508 after tax. The La Prima starts at $47,190 (MSRP $44,995 plus surcharges), and also benefits from provincial and federal subsidies. The 500e will first go on sale in Quebec and British Columbia as a 2024 model starting in late April and will arrive later this year as a 2025 model in the rest of Canada. If your electricity needs are not too far from your home, this 500e could be a good solution. The autonomy does not break the ground, but it is enough to meet your daily needs. Not everyone needs a 500km range.

Forces

A successful update outside and in terms of technology

It is good to drive, even outside the city

Weakness

Enhanced driving position with very short seats

Freedom will not please everyone

about the author

Benoit Charette / Owner and editor-in-chief Benoit Charette has been working in automotive journalism for 30 years. He is the founder, owner and editor-in-chief of L’Annuel de l’automobile, which he has published since 2001. He edited the RPM and RPM+ episodes on V and Légendes de la route on History. On the radio since 1986, he hosts the program ça tête la route and participates for the second year in the program Passion Auto on RDS as well as putting the official website of L’Annuel de l’automobile online at annualauto.