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All-Electric Fiat 500 Hatchback

Despite being similar in size and shape to the gasoline and diesel versions, the small 500 EV is worthy of further scrutiny and comparison against its closest rivals.

This in-depth review of the all-electric Fiat 500 hatchback contains information about the technical specifications, interior trim, and OTR price for the United Kingdom.

What's Special about the New 500 Series?

The Fiat SUV 4x4 compact cars rank with some of the most recognised vehicles released by this Italian automobile manufacturer.

Moreover, the new special series now includes three exciting versions:

Fiat 500e (battery-electric hatchback or convertible)
Fiat All-Electric (500) RED (with 16-inch alloy wheels)
Fiat All-Electric 500 La Prima (with 17-inch alloy wheels)

Pro Tip: The "Fiat e-Grant" is helping UK drivers switch over to EVs.

It's fair to say that Fiat has made the new 500e look smoother and even more rounded than before. For example, the old headlights have gone and two semi-circular lamps now have the new retro-style, curved daytime-running lights (DRL) with Halogen headlights.

You could also argue that the new Fiat 500 Electric is an eco friendly, city car with diddy dimensions. Even so, it's actually bigger and heavier than the non-electrified 500 model and similar in size to its adversaries, including:

BYD Dolphin
MG4 Electric
Mini Electric
Peugeot e-208
Vauxhall Corsa Electric

Pro Tip: Check out our Fiat 500x review for more information about the specifications, interior dimensions, and the boot space.

Fiat 500e Battery Options and Specifications

If you're thinking about buying a Fiat 500 electric hatchback, remember it's a battery electric vehicle (BEV) that will require mains electricity for charging.

Fiat's take on their small EV crafted for the city is that you'll have a choice of two different battery options. One version offers 115 mile range and the other has up to 199 miles of range (WLTP combined*).

Here's the thing:

Even though you'll be able to use a three-pin socket to recharge it, it's going to be a slow process. But, having a wallbox with AC charging means it may only take three (3) hours to charge the battery. Even so, using a public fast charger will be the quickest.

Fiat 500 Electric Hatchback Review for the United Kingdom Because the Fiat 500 can take up to 85kW, it only takes about thirty five (35) minutes to go from empty to 80% charged.

Plus, it should only take about five (5) minutes to add thirty (30) miles of charge.

All-Electric Fiat 500 Motor (70 kW 95hp)

Acceleration 0-30 mph (3 seconds)
Acceleration 0-62 mph (9.5 seconds)
Top Speed (84 mph)

The new automatic emergency braking system (AEB) can identify pedestrians and cyclists crossing your path. If this happens, it will apply the brakes "automatically" to try and avoid a collision.

Plus, the motorway adaptive cruise control function will accelerate and apply the brake "independently". In other words, the device helps the driver to retain a safe distance from the vehicle in front.

You get to choose between three simple driving modes (Normal, Range, and Sherpa). Range mode can boost the range because it recharges the batteries when the vehicle is braking.

Pro Tip: Activating the Sherpa Mode limits the top speed to 50mph. This helps to save energy and optimise the parameters, such as acceleration, air conditioning, speed, and mobile charging.

Fiat 500 Electric Interior

So, how does the inside of the new 500e compare to the older version? For a start, you get a modern digital dial display and a huge touchscreen on the dashboard.

The interior of the new 500 also has black fabric seats and a central console with storage space. The infotainment features include:

Eco-Leather Steering Wheel with Audio Controls.
10.25-inch Touchscreen Infotainment with Navigation, DAB Radio and Wireless CarPlay / Android Auto.
Thin Film Transistor (TFT) 7-inch Digital Instrument Cluster.

Besides, the location for the gear lever in the early petrol and diesel-powered 500 models is now a handy tray for storing nick-nacks.

Fiat also grouped the controls for the heating and air conditioning much closer together in a neat and tidy cluster.

In case you were wondering:

As you might expect, the front seating is only good for two adults, the driver and one passenger. Despite having some limited storage options, the rear seats will only accommodate two "smallish" individuals.

As with most small-size city cars, the boot caters for moderate cargo (e.g. shopping). But, you will find it almost impossible to fit a child seat in the back.

The body dimensions for the all-electric Fiat 500 3-door hatchback with 4 seats and the 2-door cabrio with 4 seats are as follows:

Height: 1527 mm
Width: 1900 mm
Length: 3632 mm
Wheelbase: 232 cm
Boot: 550 (dm³)

Fiat 500e Comfort and Functionality

Cruise Control
Dusk and Rain Sensors
Automatic Air Conditioning
Passive Entry (Driver's side) and Keyless Go
Electric Parking Brake
EV Mode Selector
Electric Windows (One Touch Up/Down)
x2 Front USB Ports & Front 12v Point
4-Way Manually Adjustable Driver's Seat

In the past, a range of customer surveys about vehicular reliability have put the Fiat brand near the bottom. Even so, the new battery-powered 500 hatchbacks and convertibles have made a good start since their release in March 2020.

Fiat FlexCare Service Plans and Warranty

The standard 3-year warranty for Fiat ownership comes with an option to extend it by either an extra twelve (12) or twenty four (24) months.

Plus Points

Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) System.
E-Call SOS button (in the ceiling light panel) that connects with an emergency call centre or the national emergency services (24 hours a day).
Attention Assist (Drowsiness Detection), Lane Keeping Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition with Intelligent Speed Assistant.
Turning circle under ten (10) metres.

Minus Points

Limited room for any passengers sitting in the rear seats.
Small and somewhat impractical boot compartment.
Uncomfortable ride, especially when driven off smooth tarmac (e.g. bumpy roads).