More elegant than ever, the famous Made in Italy is making a comeback. Despite its delay, the FCA group is embarking on the electrification of its range, with the new Fiat 500 electric. Facing an increasingly fierce competition, it is positioned thanks to its famous assets. Discover a new way of life with this new electric version, more than ever connected !
120 years of incredible history
Fiat was founded on July 11, 1899 in Palazzo Bricherasio by thirty shareholders. The first large factory was inaugurated in 1900, in Turin. On a surface of 12,000 m2, 150 workers produced twenty-four cars during this first year of production.
The manufacturer multiplies its production by eight, in five years, during the magic years of the Italian automobile. It becomes the symbol of the “Italian economic miracle”.
Despite a number of different models over the past 120 years, Fiat remains in history as the manufacturer of a single model, the Fiat 500, produced from 1957 to 1975 in 4,250,000 units.
It wasn’t until 2020 and the arrival of the new CO2 standards that the Italian manufacturer decided to invest in the European market. This is where it will offer a 100% electric version of its city car. As for the classic gasoline versions from the previous generation, they will no longer be on sale within a year.
Design of the new Fiat 500 electric
Presented some time ago, this new car was able to meet the different expectations of the faithful subscribers of the brand. The designers of this 100% electric vehicle, goes to a completely new architecture.
Indeed, this third generation is longer (3.63 m), higher (1.53 m) and wider (1.75 m) than the other models. At the front of the vehicle, the four headlights of the brand are still present. However, the lower headlights are shaped more like tiny circles of light.
They are bound to attract your attention. As for the handles, they are integrated into the bodywork, and the 500 logo is positioned in the center of the full grille. It is topped by two chrome rings.
Inside, with its new dashboard, the 100% electric Fiat 500 shows off in the most beautiful way, with a mix of retro and modern elements. In the center is a 10.25-inch touchscreen, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
This allows you to use your car in an optimal way. 100% digital, the instrumentation is quite complete, and the steering wheel controls allow you to navigate between the different menus it offers.
The style of the Fiat 500 electric is very neat. It offers multiple details, such as the “Made in Torino” on the doors, the 500 symbol inlaid on the seats, or an electric button to open the door.
The Fiat 500 electric is a 4-seater that offers enough space, but not enough for the legs. Indeed, it is preferable to reserve the rear seats for children or small adults.
Finally, the trunk is within the norm for the category and offers 185 L. It has a double bottom, small, but big enough to accommodate the cable to charge your vehicle.
Motorization and performances
Behind the wheel, the all-electric Italian car is more lively than the Twingo ZE, thanks to a 118-horsepower, 120-Nm engine located on the front axle. The electric Fiat 500 can easily get into traffic lanes and travel at nearly 150 km/h thanks to its power.
Its diamond-shaped competitor is limited to a speed of 135 km/h. The latter achieves a 0-100 km/h time of 12.9 seconds, while the Fiat 500 takes 9 seconds. Nevertheless, the Twingo is still the best in terms of maneuverability, with a turning circle of 8.6 m, compared with 9.7 m for the Fiat.
Battery and autonomy
The model has fascinating features that are far more powerful than some electric cars. The Fiat 500 Sedan has a 42 kWh lithium-ion battery. This is far superior to the Renault Zoe electric city car, which has 23.8 kWh.
In terms of range, the manufacturer of the Fiat 500 electric offers up to 320 km of electric range in the WLTP mixed cycle, without needing to recharge your vehicle. Its charging power is 85 kW. This allows you to recharge 80% of the battery in 35 minutes.
How do you recharge the Fiat 500 electric ?
In terms of charging, the little Italian car is rather versatile. Indeed, it is configured in 11 kW. The three-phase charger on board the Fiat 500 e allows for a full charge in about 4 hours.
For a fast charge, via the standard Combo in 85 kW, it takes 35 minutes for an 80% charge, as previously mentioned. You can recharge the new 500 electric at home, or at one of the 140,000 public charging stations covering Europe.
To do this, use the My easyCharge application, which is a way to locate nearby public charging stations. The My easyWallbox control application, on the other hand, allows you to launch or suspend a recharge, access the history, or configure your Wallbox. It is directly connected via Bluetooth to your easyWallbox. What more could you ask for?
How much does an electric Fiat 500 consume ?
The Italian manufacturer claims 14.4 kWh/100 km. In use, the driver can choose from three driving modes. Normal, Range, Sherpa.
Sherpa mode limits speed to 80 km/h and minimizes energy consumption. For example, by turning off the air conditioning or heated seats.
The Range mode maximizes the range of your electric Fiat 500. It is a driving function with a single pedal, the gas pedal, which aims to recover energy when decelerating, until the vehicle comes to a complete stop.
Sedan, Convertible, 3+1: which electric Fiat 500 to choose ?
Exclusively electric, this new generation offers countless versions and configuration possibilities. In addition to the “sedan” configuration, the little Italian car is also available as a Cabriolet and as a 3+1 version with front opening doors. For these three versions, a wide range of 6 finishes is offered.
The Fiat 500 e relies on two electric machines. 95 hp for the entry-level model, or 118 hp for the more upscale variants. These two electric motors are associated with a battery with a capacity of 23.8 kWh for a range of 190 km, and 47 kWh for a range of 320 km.
What is the price of a Fiat 500 electric in 2021 ?
Despite the competition, the little Italian car is making a name for itself in the city car market. It is positioned between the electric Twingo and the Mini Cooper SE.
The latter starts at €25,400, excluding the ecological bonus. For this price, you have to make do with the small 23.8 kWh battery for a range of 190 km. Versions with a 42 kWh battery start at €30,900.
| engine 95 hp / battery 23.8 kWh / range 190 km |
| Finishing touch | Bodywork | Price excluding bonus |
| 500 Action | Sedan | 25 400 € |
| 500 Action Plus | Sedan | 26 900 € |
| 500 RED | Sedan | 28 400 € |
| 500 RED | Convertible | 31 800 € |
| engine 118 hp / battery 42 kWh / range 320 km |
| Finishing touch | Bodywork | Price excluding bonus |
| 500 Icon | Sedan | 30 900 € |
| Convertible | 34 300 € | |
| 3+1 | 32 900 € | |
| 500 Icon Plus | Sedan | 32 900 € |
| Convertible | 35 900 € | |
| 3+1 | 34 900 € | |
| La Prima by Bocelli | Sedan | 35 900 € |
| Convertible | 38 900 € | |
| 3+1 | 37 900 € |
Which electric car in 2022 ?
The demand for 100% electric cars is growing. With a growing market, and an expanding charging network, choosing an electric car has never been easier.
For this year 2022, the expected novelties are numerous. That’s why the Circulerpropre team has put together a Top 3 of the most expected electric cars.
After the release of the Nissan Leaf, the Japanese manufacturer is launching a new generation crossover. The Nissan Ariya. Available from 218 to 394 hp, with one or two engines, the range of engines of the Ariya is wide.
With two batteries of 63 kWh or 87 kWh, ranging from 340 km to 500 km of autonomy. The launch date is scheduled for the first half of 2022, for a price around 40 000 €.
The Renault Megane E-Tech does not quite replace the previous one, but it completes its offer. 100% electric but also 100% new! This modern sedan is compact and offers a range of up to 470 km.
A recharge in 30 minutes to recover 300 km at the top of the range, in DC 130 kW. Already on sale, find the Renault Megane E-Tech from 35 200 €.
In third position of this Top 3, the Smart #1. It comes back with a completely different concept. The end of the micro-two seats is here! Make way for the small SUV.
Its autonomy is announced at 430 km. Recharging time goes from 5 to 80% in less than 3 hours thanks to the standard 22 kW on-board charger. 30 min in DC on a fast terminal. Its release date is scheduled for the second half of 2022, for an estimated price of 35,000 €.
To conclude
Comfortable, easy to handle and very pleasant in urban areas, the little Fiat 500 electric does not lose its means, even outside the city. Despite its few shortcomings, it is quite capable of covering long distances. Its range is slightly longer than that of its direct competitors. Before taking the plunge into an electric car, it is important to consider all the facts.
| In order to make the right choice, the OnMyBike team regularly posts articles on hybrid and electric cars |