The allure of modern car amenities is undeniable. Features like lane guidance, automatic emergency braking for pedestrians, and even a simple reversing camera significantly enhance the driving experience. However, my time with the Fiat 500e was frequently punctuated by jarring “emergency vehicle” warnings on the display, accompanied by an alarming sound. Unfortunately, these alerts proved false alarms about 80 percent of the time, causing unnecessary stress and diminishing the otherwise enjoyable drive.
Range and Charging Realities of the Fiat Electric 500e
The Fiat 500e offers an approximate range of 150 miles, which, for my typical driving habits, is generally sufficient. As someone who doesn’t commute daily for work, my car usage is primarily for leisure activities. During a more intensive four-day period of driving the 500e, the battery level decreased from 96 percent to 41 percent after covering roughly 53 miles. This observation highlights a potential limitation for Fiat Electric vehicles, particularly when considering longer journeys, such as visiting family out of town or embarking on road trips. Range anxiety remains a significant consideration for prospective EV owners, and the Fiat 500e, while adequate for urban environments, may require careful planning for extended travel.
For EV owners in urban settings like New York City, home charging represents a significant advantage. Having a designated parking spot with charging capabilities is a luxury many do not possess. In my case, while fortunate to have home charging, the included Fiat charger cable proved to be marginally too short to reach the power outlet at the rear of my house. This minor inconvenience underscores a broader challenge: the accessibility of charging infrastructure for those without home charging options. Public charging stations become essential, but my search for nearby options revealed that most were categorized as “slow” chargers. Fortunately, a single “fast” charging station was located nearby, offering a quicker alternative.
Earlier in the week, while near WIRED’s Manhattan office, I sought to combine parking and charging during a two-hour office visit. My first attempt at a parking garage was unsuccessful due to full capacity. The second garage quoted a substantial $60 fee for two hours of parking and charging, reflecting the premium on real estate in New York City, where charging costs encompass not just electricity but also location. This $60 investment increased the Fiat electric 500e’s battery from 41 to 77 percent. In comparison, refueling my gasoline-powered Fiat 500 typically costs around $35 every two weeks and takes only a few minutes – a notable difference in both time and expense.
Locating an appropriate fast-charging station is crucial for efficient EV ownership. The fast charger near my residence, conveniently available on a Thursday evening, had ample open spots. I observed other EV drivers utilizing the charging time to relax in their cars and watch videos. Upon plugging in the Fiat electric 500e, approximately 20 minutes of charging resulted in a 20 percent battery increase, costing around $4. This experience demonstrated the potential for affordable and relatively quick top-ups, making the prospect of electric vehicle ownership more appealing for daily use.
While my test drive didn’t include an extended road trip, I recognize that longer journeys in the Fiat 500e would necessitate meticulous planning. Identifying fast-charging stations along the route and strategically timing charging stops with breaks for lunch or restrooms would be essential. This added layer of planning represents a significant consideration for individuals who frequently undertake long-distance travel and is a factor to weigh when contemplating the purchase of a Fiat electric car or any EV for that matter.
Fiat Electric: Addressing Cost and Market Positioning
Fiat’s historical reputation, often summarized by the backronym “Fix It Again Tony,” suggests concerns regarding reliability and maintenance. While my gasoline-powered Fiat 500 underwent a pre-purchase inspection and was deemed in fair condition, the previous owner disclosed having to replace both door handles due to breakage – an unusual issue, yet reportedly common among Fiat vehicles. The long-term reliability of the Fiat 500e in the US market remains to be seen, but hopes are for improvements in this area for Fiat electric models.
A key point of discussion is the Fiat 500e’s starting price of $32,500 (with the tested model starting at $36,000). This price point positions the Fiat electric car in a competitive EV landscape with numerous alternatives offering greater space and extended ranges, such as the Nissan Leaf, Hyundai Kona Electric, and Tesla Model 3.
However, the US market currently lacks a diverse selection of genuinely small cars. Aside from the new Mini Cooper SE, priced at a slightly lower $30,900 starting point, options are limited. In contrast, the UK market enjoys a wider array of compact and affordable electric vehicles. The absence of such options in the US market highlights a gap that the Fiat 500e attempts to fill – a stylish, small electric car. Personal preference leans towards the Fiat 500e over my gasoline model due to its electric powertrain and design, but the current price makes it financially unattainable. Furthermore, the lack of a yellow color option is a minor aesthetic disappointment. If Fiat could address the pricing and color availability, the Fiat electric 500e would become a significantly more compelling option for consumers seeking a chic and compact urban EV.
