Designed, engineered and manufactured in Turin, Italy, the 500e is the first model in Fiat history to be fully-electric. Set to arrive down under mid-year, it will be priced from $52,500 plus on-roads and come in one trim level called ‘La Prima’.
Directly translated to English it means ‘The First’, which is significant because it’s also the first vehicle in history to achieve a maximum score of 10/10 under energy efficiency index guidelines.
The Fiat 500e is equipped with a front-mounted electric motor outputting 87kW. It has a peak torque output of 220Nm, which is enough to push the new 500 from 0-100km/h in 9.0 seconds.
It supports three different charging modes and is equipped with a CCS COMBO Type 2 socket that enables both domestic AC and DC fast charging at a rate of 85kW in dedicated public stations. That translates to 80 per cent charge in 35 minutes.
Range is expected to be around 311km, meaning one full charge can support more than a complete working week of urban commuting – based on the average drive distance of 50km per day.
The Fiat 500e includes an e-mode selector on the centre console, offering three different driving modes: Normal, Range and Sherpa. The oddly named latter mode works with the climate control and speed to squeeze every last bit of range from the car.
Autonomous Driving Level 2 is standard in the compact hatch, as is adaptive cruise control and lane centring. A rear view parking camera, blind spot monitor, autonomous emergency brake control with pedestrian and cyclist detection, and lane control also feature.
Likewise, there’s attention assist, intelligent speed assistant with traffic sign recognition, a tyre pressure monitoring system, automatic headlamp on, seat belt reminder, high-beam assist and rain sensing wipers.
Inside, and bridging the new era of EV for Fiat, is a touchscreen infotainment system, with a 10.25-inch tablet combined with a 7.0-inch TFT full digital cluster which provides intuitive information with a seamless experience.
The infotainment screen supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but it’s the wireless charging pad located beneath it that offers a cool little touch. Paying homage to the birthplace of the Fiat 500e, it features the Turin skyline.
The 2023 Fiat 500e is available in six colours, including Ice White, Onyx Black, Ocean Green, Mineral Grey, Rose Gold and Celestial Blue. For more information, contact your local Fiat dealer. If you’re keen on one and need finance, talk to CreditOne.
