Overview
The Fiat 500e is a fully electric reinvention of Italy's most iconic city car. Positioned as a stylish urban runaround, this 3-door city EV tries to capture the hearts of people who prioritize nimble dimensions, easy parking, and zero-emission running costs over outright family practicality. However, getting on for 5 years long now, the tech and specs do lag behind newer rivals.
Design
Fiat has evolved the classic design beautifully for the electric age, giving the 500e a broader, more planted stance than its predecessor. The front replaces the traditional grille with prominent "500" badging, flanked by distinct split-LED headlights that are integrated into the bonnet. Clean lines, flush door handles, and subtle Italian flags on the flanks modernize the aesthetic, while the short overhangs and rounded rear retain the cheeky, unmistakable character of the original.
Interior
Inside, the cabin has slightly higher quality than some similar-priced rivals with body-coloured dashboard panels. However, the dash is still covered in scratchy, black plastic. The centerpiece is a dim 10.25-inch Uconnect touchscreen, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This is accompanied by a 7-inch digital driver's display behind the steering wheel. Physical buttons for the climate control sit below the screen, and the gear stick has been replaced by a row of dashboard buttons. The centre console is clean and flowing, enhancing front-row space.
Performance & Powertrains
The Fiat 500e is available with two FWD powertrain options. The entry-level variant pairs a 24kWh battery with a 95 hp electric motor, yielding a tiny range of 115 miles and a 0–62 mph time of 9.5 seconds. The long-range version uses a 42kWh battery and a 118 hp motor, dropping the 0–62 mph sprint to 9.0 seconds while boosting the range up to just 199 miles. Driving dynamics are darting and fun, characterized by a low centre of gravity, minimal body roll, and light steering that makes navigating tight urban streets effortless. On the charging front, the smaller battery peaks at 50kW DC charging, whereas the 42kWh pack supports up to 85kW charging, enabling a 10% to 80% top-up in approximately 25 minutes.
Practicality
As a strict four-seater city car, rear accommodation is highly compromised, with limited legroom and headroom making the back seats best reserved for short trips or children. Accessing the rear is tight via the 3-door layout. Boot space is similarly small at 185 litres, which is sufficient for small shopping bags, though folding down the 50/50 split rear seats expands the total cargo capacity to 550 litres. Front-cabin storage consists of deep door bins, a dedicated wireless phone charging slot, and a central cubby, creating a surprisingly airy environment for the driver and front passenger.
Buying
Pricing for the Fiat 500e range spans from £20,995 for basic city-focused models up to £29,995 for high-specification trims and convertible variants. The line-up includes the entry-level model, the stylish RED trim, and the luxurious La Prima flagship. The EV Hub recommended configuration is the 42kWh variant in La Prima trim, priced from £26,995. This specific setup strikes the ideal value proposition, granting access to the faster 85 kW DC rapid charging capability, the longer range, and adding basic navigation and LED headlights. Some better options world be Fiat's own Grande Panda or Citroën ë-C3.