Fiat 500e 2024: forget its predecessor

For several years, the Fiat division has been on life support. At least, in North America, where sales are exemplary. In Canada, only 46 Fiats found buyers in 2023, compared to 54 in 2022 and 79 in 2021. We can also admit, no promotion has been made by Stellantis for this brand, left by several dealers who threw in the towel to consider more. only on Dodge, Jeep and Ram.

In 2024, only 38 Stellantis dealers will stock the Fiat flag, while there are 86 in Quebec. And of this number, most are in large centers, where the new Fiat 500e is destined for some success. Now 100% electric, this Fiat has been running for almost four years in Europe, where more than 185,000 examples have already been sold. And clearly, the latter was not originally designed with North American shipping in mind, also considering the poor reliability reputation that led to the loss of the previous model.

So, and considering the many technical modifications necessary for its North American approval, why did we choose to import the Fiat 500 again? Because at the moment, the manufacturer still does not have electric vehicles in its portfolio and because it is too expensive for Stellantis to get the carbon credits that allow them to continue selling gasoline cars. Therefore, it is not because we have suddenly developed a new passion for microgambling or because we proudly believe in the growth of this Italian category. Nope.

There is a huge demand for electric vehicles. Remember, Stellantis will also launch the Jeep Wagoneer S and Dodge Charger by the end of the year. But these cars will come with a trick and will certainly cost twice as much as the Fiat 500e, the cheapest electric car in the country in 2024.

A city girl at heart

As cool as it can be, this Fiat will therefore be available alongside the likes of the Jeep Grand Wagoneer and the Ram HD at Stellantis dealerships. A remarkable difference, considering that it is also the smallest car sold in the country. A car with a length of only 3.6 meters, and whose weight is only 1,342 kg, although it is electric. By comparison, it weighs the same as the base Honda Civic, and 320kg less than the now-defunct Chevrolet Bolt EV.

It should be said that the battery of the 500e is 35% smaller than that of the Bolt EV, explaining the very low range, announced at 227 km. Indeed, a more convincing figure than that of the Mazda MX-30 or the Mini Cooper SE, but which nevertheless can prevent many buyers. Remember, the majority of those interested in this city car will not drive more than 50 or 75 kilometers per day. Maybe except rotisseries that will pass it off as a delivery vehicle!

With a 42 kWh battery, the small Fiat can be recharged at a rate of 85 kW at a level 3 terminal, allowing 80% refueling in 35 minutes. At a level 2 terminal, you should allow around 6 hours for recharging perfect, which is perfectly fine. However, despite the reduced weight and power of only 117 horsepower (87 kW), energy consumption is higher than that of the Chevrolet Bolt EV, estimated at 18.5 kWh/100 km.

However, our test carried out in ideal conditions allowed us to obtain an average consumption of 15.8 kWh per 100 km, allowing us to expect a range of 265 km. Conversely, expect this car to do better than 150 km in very cold weather, especially if used in highway. Because if the 500e is at ease in the city, where the acceleration is initial and fast, it is different on the highway where it is surrounded by a very bad aerodynamic coefficient of 0.32.

Therefore, the Fiat 500e must be considered for urban use, although it surprises with its comfort. A car that is admittedly small, but well-suspended and looks better assembled than its predecessor. The result is a feeling of greater comfort than that of the Chevrolet Bolt EV, which however offers 280 mm longer wheelbase. Easy to drive, it also stands out with a turning radius of only 9.6 meters, allowing it to turn itself.

Three driving modes are offered with the 500e, with no sport mode. In fact, the normal mode allows you to drive using the full power of the car, without benefiting from driving with only one foot, or only one pedal. This is the main difference with the Range mode, in which you can get a few kilometers of freedom, although there is no data from the manufacturer that shows this.

As for the Sherpa mode, it will allow you to increase the car’s energy efficiency as much as possible, allowing you to improve the range. However, this comes at the cost of power reduced to 77 horses, at a top speed of 80 km / h, and which also removes the possibility of using climate seats, wipes and heat.

With 162 lb-ft of torque, the Fiat 500e offers strong initial acceleration, yet makes it easy to navigate urban environments. The manufacturer also shows that 0-50 km / h takes only 3.1 seconds, without revealing the traditional 0-100 km / h. Don’t worry, this little Italian is a lot of fun to drive, once again with precise steering and instant response to acceleration.

The driver also benefits from a more pleasant driving position than in the previous model, which gave the feeling of being on a stool. Now, the seat is comfortable and the shoulder room is more generous. There is also a console on the board with a center armrest, which greatly improves overall comfort.

More spacious, but…

Capable of carrying four occupants, this Fiat is clearly not very welcoming in the back seats. The space provided is directly related to the position of the front seats, but it cannot in any case be considered generous. At best, the back seats will help, but it won’t be used often. This is one of the reasons that explains the absence of the 3+1 version offered in Europe, which is equipped with small hinged rear doors, enabling access to the rear seats. To be approved here, Fiat would have to modify the design, as it did not comply with NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Association) crash tests.

Beautifully designed, the interior offers black cloth upholstery on the Red version (base model), while the La Prima version offers cream-colored synthetic leather for a more luxurious effect. In both cases, Fiat offers a driving position where the push-button gear selector sits in the middle, a charger to plug in mobile devices and above, a 10.25-inch touchscreen borrowed directly from the Alfa Romeo Tonale and Dodge Hornet.

Simply impossible, it offers all the modern conveniences including wireless AppleCarPlay/AndroidAuto, as well as navigation. In fact, the equipment on board could not be more complete, leading us to believe that few people will set their eyes on the La Prima version, which is more expensive. It must be said that in addition to the synthetic leather, it offers access to many driving aids and a 7-speaker JBL audio system.

Offered in red, black or white, the Fiat 500e Red should be the more popular of the two. It must be said that the La Prima version, which swaps red for ash pink and to which a chrome exterior is added, commands an extra $5,000, bringing the total bill to $47,190 (transportation and shipping included). . This means the Red version comes in at $42,190, whereas in Quebec you subtract $10,437 in applicable government credits, making the actual bill $31,753 before tax.

A bill that therefore becomes very attractive, but which will be increased by 10% from next year due to the reduction of Quebec government loans, from $ 7,000 to $ 4,000 (tax included). It is also from 2025 that the Fiat 500e will be distributed coast to coast in the Canadian market as for 2024, only Quebec and British Columbia will be eligible. A strategy aimed at increasing the availability of the model in these two regions where loans are currently more generous.

Interestingly, it seems that some Stellantis dealers have been under a lot of pressure from the manufacturer to get a large number of units for 2024. Such a number worries many of these owners, of course burned by the brand and who are not used to it. sell this type of product or at least serve electric car customers.

Time will tell if Quebecers will heed Fiat’s call, and put aside the poor reliability reputation that precedes it. We can certainly console ourselves by mentioning that the engine and power transmission that were problematic in the previous generation have been replaced here by an electric power train, which does not seem to be a problem in Europe at the moment. However, will businessmen tend to face their responsibilities when a problem occurs? Will we ever figure out how to make and maintain these little beasts that have nothing to do with the Rams Classic? This is my biggest fear.

Otherwise, the entire Fiat 500e is a pleasant surprise. A friendly and fun little place in a car environment that has done everything to get rid of them, and that risks meeting the needs of a customer who therefore had nothing to eat.

See also: the cheapest electric cars in 2024