When the deals on Fiat 500e Leases first popped up, we had to do a double take. Could these prices really be real? Turns out, they absolutely were, and the affordability was so compelling that five of us here at the office jumped at the opportunity. Thanks to some generous EV incentives in Colorado at the time (late 2024), our local dealership was advertising Fiat 500e lease deals that seemed almost impossible – some as low as $1,200 down and $0 per month! My own Fiat 500e lease came in at a mere $900 down and $49 each month. Over a 27-month lease, that’s barely over $2,000 total, and my deal even included a wear and tear protection plan for extra peace of mind.
Our colleague Tommy managed to snag an even more incredible Fiat 500e lease, bringing his monthly payment down to a flat $0. While the prospect of a zero-dollar monthly payment is undeniably attractive, it did involve some extra hoops to jump through with paperwork and incentive applications, which we’ll delve into more detail in an upcoming video. Stay tuned for that if you’re considering a similar path to a super cheap Fiat 500e lease!
Living with a Budget-Friendly Fiat 500e: A Mixed Bag of Italian Charm
Living with a fleet of five cheap Fiat 500e EVs has been… well, exactly what you might expect. In true Fiat fashion, each of our cars has developed its own unique personality, often expressed through quirky malfunctions. It’s almost endearing in a strange way. My Fiat 500e, for instance, occasionally decides to halt charging sessions mid-way, requiring a door opening to “wake it up” and resume. Conor’s 500e is battling with temperamental window switches, adding a bit of unexpected exercise to his daily commute. And while Tommy’s Fiat app works flawlessly, mysteriously unlocking and preheating his car with ease, neither Conor nor I can get our apps to cooperate at all. Adding to the symphony of quirks, Tommy’s 500e also serenades him with wind noise emanating from the trunk seal at highway speeds.
Despite these minor eccentricities, the overwhelming consensus among our group is positive. When you’re securing a brand new electric vehicle for the price of a couple of dinners out per month, it’s hard to be overly critical. Especially when none of the issues we’ve encountered are deal-breakers in terms of the car’s usability. Beyond its affordability, Fiat has genuinely crafted the 500e into one of the most surprisingly fun-to-drive budget EVs on the market. Its low center of gravity, nippy acceleration, and diminutive size make it an absolute joy to zip around city streets.
Space-wise, the Fiat 500e comfortably accommodates two adults, with rear seats that are best reserved for occasional use or smaller passengers. It even proved surprisingly practical when I squeezed in three friends to acquire a comically small Christmas tree last December. And for those snowy Colorado days, the 500e’s handling in winter conditions has been unexpectedly competent. The 40kWh battery pack delivers a real-world range that generally aligns with its 140-mile rating, although that figure drops notably on extended highway journeys. Thankfully, the smaller battery capacity means that charging times on a 220-volt charger are refreshingly quick.
Smart Interior Touches with a Colorado Cold Weather Caveat
For an entry-level vehicle, the Fiat 500e’s interior is surprisingly well-appointed. Dual high-resolution screens dominate the dashboard, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and a convenient wireless phone charging pad. The body-colored dash panel and red seat piping, complete with FIAT script embossed in the seats, inject a welcome dose of Italian flair. The HVAC system utilizes physical buttons, a user-friendly touch often absent in modern cars, and the steering wheel feels premium to the touch.
Beyond these highlights, the interior is undeniably basic and built to a price point. The audio system’s maximum volume won’t impress audiophiles, the seats are upholstered in simple fabric, and hard plastics are abundant throughout the cabin. The front occupants are also limited to a single cupholder. Perhaps the biggest oversight, particularly for those of us in Colorado, is the absence of heated seats in our budget-friendly Fiat 500e lease models – a significant drawback during the frigid winter months. Trunk space is understandably limited, but the folding rear seats do expand cargo capacity to a respectable degree.
The Verdict: Is a Fiat 500e Lease Worth the Compromises?
If your priorities are a simple, affordable, and enjoyable city car, then a Fiat 500e lease is absolutely worth considering, especially if you can snag a deal as compelling as ours. This isn’t an EV that will bore you to tears with its driving dynamics. Despite its quirks and cost-cutting measures, we’ve all genuinely grown fond of our little Fiats and appreciate them as fun, economical runabouts that are helping us preserve the mileage on our primary vehicles. If you want to see the Fiat 500e in action and hear more about our experiences, be sure to check out the video review linked below.
