The allure of modern car amenities is undeniable. Lane guidance, auto braking for pedestrians, and even a reversing camera enhance the driving experience. However, the Fiat 500e, while offering these features, also presents some quirks. The persistent “emergency vehicles” warning, accompanied by a startlingly loud sound, proved to be a frequent false alarm, triggering unnecessary stress during everyday driving.
Range and Charging Realities of the 500e
The Fiat 500e advertises a roughly 150-mile range, which, for typical urban driving, seems adequate. For someone without a daily commute, like myself, most journeys are for leisure, fitting within this range. During a period of more frequent driving than usual, the 500e’s battery depleted from 96 to 41 percent after approximately 53 miles over four days. This consumption rate highlights a potential limitation for spontaneous longer trips, such as visiting family or embarking on road trips, requiring more careful range management than initially anticipated.
One of the significant advantages for EV owners, particularly in urban environments like New York City, is the ability to charge at home. Having a dedicated parking spot with charging access is a considerable privilege. However, even with home charging, practicalities arise. In my case, the stock charger provided with the Fiat 500e was marginally too short to reach the outdoor outlet at the back of my property. For many drivers without home charging, reliance on public charging stations becomes necessary. Locating readily available and efficient charging stations proved challenging. The majority of nearby options were categorized as “slow” chargers. Fortunately, a single “fast” charging station was available, offering a quicker alternative.
Earlier in the week, while working from WIRED’s Manhattan office, I sought to combine parking and charging. The first parking garage with charging facilities was fully occupied. The second quoted a substantial $60 for two hours of combined parking and charging, reflecting the premium on real estate in New York City. This $60 investment increased the battery level from 41 to 77 percent. Comparatively, refueling a gasoline-powered Fiat 500 typically costs around $35 every two weeks and takes only minutes, underscoring the time and potentially higher cost associated with public EV charging in certain urban locations.
Finding a suitable fast-charging station is crucial for EV ownership, especially for models like the 500e with a more limited range. The fast charger near my residence, conveniently, had ample availability on a weeknight. Observing other EV drivers utilizing this station, many were passing charging time by watching videos, highlighting the waiting period inherent in public charging. Plugging in the 500e, a roughly 20-minute charge yielded a 20 percent battery increase, costing approximately $4. This experience offered a glimpse into the more affordable and time-efficient potential of fast charging when readily accessible.
While this test drive didn’t include a long-distance journey in the Fiat 500e, planning for such trips would necessitate meticulous pre-planning to ensure fast-charging stations are available along the route. Integrating 30-minute recharge stops into breaks like lunch or restroom stops would be essential. This added layer of planning represents a significant consideration for potential EV buyers who frequently undertake longer drives, although for primarily city driving, it may be less of a concern.
The Financial Aspect of the Fiat 500e
Fiat vehicles, historically, have faced concerns regarding reliability and maintenance, humorously encapsulated in the backronym “Fix It Again Tony.” While the gasoline-powered Fiat 500 I own underwent a pre-purchase inspection and was deemed in fair condition, the previous owner disclosed having to replace door handles due to breakage—reportedly a common Fiat issue. The long-term reliability of the Fiat 500e in the US market remains to be seen, with hopes for improvements in electric models.
The starting price of the Fiat 500e, at $32,500 (and $36,000 for the tested model), positions it in a competitive EV landscape. Numerous EV options offer greater interior space and extended ranges, including the Nissan Leaf, Hyundai Kona Electric, and Tesla Model 3.
However, the appeal of the Fiat 500e lies in its compact size, a vehicle segment with limited choices in the US market. The new Mini Cooper SE is a notable competitor, with a starting price of $30,900. The availability of diverse and affordable small electric cars in markets like the UK highlights a gap in the US automotive market. Models like the Dacia Spring and the unique Microlino showcase the potential for charming and efficient small EVs.
The Fiat 500e, despite its higher price point, fulfills a specific desire for a stylish and small EV in a market lacking such options. Its aesthetic appeal is undeniable, making it a preferable choice over the gasoline-powered Fiat 500 in terms of driving experience. However, the price remains a significant hurdle. Furthermore, the absence of a yellow color option is a minor, yet personal, disappointment. Addressing the pricing and expanding color choices could significantly broaden the Fiat 500e’s appeal and market reach.
