The Fiat 500 is a classic of the automotive world. It has been around since 1957 and has become a symbol of Italian style and charm. The 500 has also been a pioneer of innovation, being one of the first cars to offer a sunroof, a rear-engine layout, and a city-friendly size.
Now, the Fiat 500 is ready to embrace the future of mobility with the launch of the Fiat 500e in USA. The 500e is the electric version of the 500, and it promises to deliver the same fun, flair, and functionality as its gasoline-powered sibling but with zero emissions and lower running costs.
The Fiat 500e is not a new model but rather a redesigned and improved one. It was first introduced in 2013 as a limited edition for the Californian market, where it received positive reviews and awards. However, it was also criticized for its high price, low range, and lack of availability.
Fiat has addressed these issues with the new 500e, which is now more affordable, more efficient, and more accessible than ever. The new 500e has a starting price of $24,995 (before federal and state incentives), which is $14,000 less than the previous model. It also has a battery capacity of 42 kWh, which gives it a range of 199 miles on a single charge, according to the WLTP cycle. Moreover, the new 500e is now available in all 50 states of the US, as well as in Canada and Mexico.
What Makes the Fiat 500e Special?
The Fiat 500e is not just another electric car. It is a car that combines the best of both worlds: the heritage and personality of the Fiat 500, and the performance and sustainability of an electric vehicle. Here are some of the features that make the 500e stand out from the crowd:
- Design: The 500e retains the iconic shape and curves of the 500 but with some modern and aerodynamic touches, such as the closed grille, the LED headlights, and the electric logo. The 500e also offers a wide range of colors and customization options, including three roof types (hardtop, sunroof, or cabrio), seven body colors, and three interior themes (black, white, or red).
- Technology: The 500e is equipped with the latest smart and connected features, such as the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which has a 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, and voice control. The 500e also has a digital instrument cluster, a wireless charging pad, and a Fiatsphere app, which allows the driver to monitor and control the car remotely, such as preconditioning the cabin, locking and unlocking the doors, and locating the car.
- Safety: The 500e is designed to provide the highest level of safety and assistance to the driver and the passengers, with over 35 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), such as adaptive cruise control, lane centering, blind spot detection, rear cross path detection, traffic sign recognition, emergency braking, and parking sensors. The 500e also has a high-strength steel body, seven airbags, and a pedestrian warning system.
- Driving Experience: The 500e delivers a smooth and responsive driving experience thanks to its electric motor, which produces 118 horsepower and 220 Nm of torque. The 500e can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 9 seconds and reach a top speed of 93 mph. The 500e also has three driving modes (Normal, Range, and Sherpa), which allow the driver to optimize the performance and efficiency of the car, depending on the road conditions and the battery level. The 500e also has a one-pedal driving feature, which enables the driver to accelerate and decelerate using only the accelerator pedal, while regenerating energy for the battery.
How Does the Fiat 500e Compare to Other Electric Cars?
The Fiat 500e is not the only electric car in the market. There are other models that offer similar or different features, depending on the price, size, range, and style. Here is a comparison table that shows how the 500e stacks up against some of its competitors:
Model | Price | Size | Range | Style |
---|---|---|---|---|
Fiat 500e | $24,995 | Subcompact | 199 miles | Retro |
Mini Cooper SE | $29,900 | Subcompact | 110 miles | Retro |
Chevrolet Bolt | $31,995 | Compact | 259 miles | Modern |
Nissan Leaf | $31,670 | Compact | 149 miles | Modern |
Hyundai Kona Electric | $37,390 | Subcompact SUV | 258 miles | Modern |
Kia Soul EV | $33,950 | Subcompact SUV | 243 miles | Funky |
As the table shows, the 500e has the lowest price and the highest range among the subcompact electric cars and the second-highest range among all the electric cars listed. The 500e also has a distinctive style that appeals to those who love the classic and charming look of the Fiat 500.
Why Should You Consider Buying a Fiat 500e?
The Fiat 500e is a car that offers many benefits to its owners, both in terms of driving pleasure and environmental impact. Here are some of the reasons why you should consider buying a Fiat 500e:
- Save money: The 500e has a low purchase price, and it also saves you money on fuel, maintenance, and taxes. According to the EPA, the 500e has an annual fuel cost of $550, which is $1,000 less than the average new vehicle. The 500e also has fewer moving parts than a gasoline car, which means less wear and tear and lower service costs. Additionally, the 500e may qualify for federal and state incentives, such as the $7,500 federal tax credit, which can reduce the final price of the car significantly.
- Reduce emissions: The 500e has zero tailpipe emissions, which means it does not pollute the air or contribute to global warming. The 500e also uses renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, and hydro, to charge its battery, which further reduces its carbon footprint. According to the EPA, the 500e has a greenhouse gas rating of 10 out of 10, which is the best possible score for an electric car.
- Enjoy driving: The 500e is a car that is fun to drive, thanks to its nimble handling, peppy acceleration, and quiet cabin. The 500e also has a small size, which makes it easy to park and maneuver in urban areas. The 500e also has a spacious interior, which can accommodate up to four people and some luggage. The 500e also has a stylish and comfortable interior, which features premium materials, colorful accents, and advanced technology.
Conclusion
The Fiat 500e is a car that combines the past and the present, the old and the new, the Italian and the American. It is a car that preserves the essence and the spirit of the Fiat 500, while adapting to the demands and the expectations of the modern driver. It is a car that offers a unique and attractive alternative to the conventional electric car, with its affordable price, long-range, and charming style.
If you are looking for a car that is fun, flair, and functional and that is also electric, efficient, and eco-friendly, then you should consider buying a Fiat 500e. It is a car that will make you smile every time you drive it and make the world a better place.