The allure of modern car amenities is undeniable – features like lane guidance, auto braking for pedestrians, and even a reversing camera enhance the driving experience. However, the Fiat 500e, while equipped with some of these, occasionally throws in unwanted surprises. The “emergency vehicles” warning, frequently appearing on the display with a jarringly loud sound, is unfortunately inaccurate the majority of the time. It’s an experience that can be more alarming than helpful, especially in city driving scenarios.
The Old Range-and-Charging Problem with the 500e
The Fiat 500e offers a roughly 150-mile range, which, for many urban drivers, seems adequate. For someone like me, who doesn’t have a daily commute and primarily uses a car for leisure trips, this range should theoretically suffice. In one instance, driving the 500e more frequently than usual, a 53-mile drive depleted the battery from 96 to 41 percent over four days. This consumption rate highlights a potential issue: the anxiety of range, especially when considering longer, less frequent journeys to visit family or embark on road trips.
Living in New York City with a dedicated parking spot is a privilege that simplifies EV ownership, allowing for home charging. However, even with this advantage, the Fiat-supplied charger was frustratingly short, barely reaching the charging outlet. This minor inconvenience points to a larger issue for many prospective Fiat 500e owners: the dependence on public charging stations. Searching for nearby charging options often reveals a landscape dominated by “slow” chargers. Fortunately, a “fast” charging station was located, offering a glimmer of hope for quicker charging solutions.
Earlier in the week, while near WIRED’s Manhattan office, the need to charge the 500e during a two-hour office stint became apparent. The first parking garage approached was full, a common city parking frustration. The second garage quoted a staggering $60 for two hours of parking and charging – a stark reminder of the premium on both electricity and real estate in New York City. This $60 charge only boosted the battery from 41 to 77 percent. In contrast, refueling a gas-powered Fiat 500 typically costs around $35 every two weeks and takes mere minutes. The disparity in cost and convenience is significant.
Finding the right fast-charging station proves crucial for EV ownership, especially for the Fiat 500e. A local fast-charging station, conveniently available on a Thursday evening, presented a more promising charging experience. Observing other EV drivers passing time in their cars while charging, it’s clear this is becoming a routine part of EV ownership. Plugging in the Fiat 500e at this station resulted in a 20 percent battery gain in approximately 20 minutes, costing around $4. This experience offers a glimpse into an affordable and reasonably quick charging future.
A longer trip test drive in the Fiat 500e was not undertaken, but the implications for such journeys are clear. Meticulous planning for fast charger availability along routes and strategically timed charging stops during breaks would be essential. This added layer of planning represents a significant consideration for potential EV buyers, particularly those who frequently undertake long drives. For those primarily using the Fiat 500e for city driving, however, this may be less of a concern.
Fiat 500e: Addressing the Price and Reliability Question
The Fiat brand, unfortunately, carries a historical reputation for reliability issues, often humorously summarized by the backronym “Fix It Again Tony.” While the gas-powered Fiat 500 has its charm, concerns about long-term maintenance linger. Anecdotally, a previous owner of a gas Fiat 500 mentioned having to replace door handles that simply broke off, reportedly a common Fiat problem. The reliability of the electric Fiat 500e in the US market remains to be seen, but there’s hope for improvements in build quality and longevity.
The most significant hurdle for many considering the Fiat 500e is its starting price of $32,500 (with the tested model starting at $36,000). This price point positions the 500e in a competitive EV market with numerous alternatives offering more space and extended range. Vehicles like the Nissan Leaf, Hyundai Kona Electric, and Tesla Model 3 present compelling options with greater practicality for similar or even lower prices.
However, the Fiat 500e occupies a unique niche: the small, stylish city EV. In the US market, truly compact electric car choices are limited. The new Mini Cooper SE, with a starting price of $30,900, is a close competitor. Looking to the UK market reveals a diverse selection of tiny and affordable electric cars, a segment sorely lacking in the US. The appeal of micro-mobility EVs like the Microlino is evident, highlighting a gap in the US automotive market.
The Fiat 500e, while arguably overpriced, fulfills a desire for a small, visually appealing EV in a market with limited options. Its aesthetic charm is undeniable, making it a desirable choice over its gas-powered counterpart. If Fiat could address the pricing and perhaps offer a wider color palette (like yellow), the Fiat 500e would undoubtedly capture a larger share of the burgeoning EV market, particularly among city dwellers seeking style and efficiency in a compact package.
