Keep in mind the unique 500e? Sergio Marchionne famously mentioned that Fiat Chrysler Vehicles misplaced a staggering $14,000 each time somebody purchased one, which is a staggering amount of cash for a pint-sized electrical automobile that used to retail at $32,500.
By itself, that abysmal driving vary sealed the automotive’s destiny in the US. However it will get worse, although. Fiat has the audacity to explain the 2024 mannequin 12 months 500e as being all-new, which is technically appropriate as a result of this 500e is a really totally different animal from its predecessor. Alternatively, the second-generation 500e was revealed in March 2020 in Milan fairly than the Turinese model’s dwelling metropolis.
That is nearly 4 years in the past, which requires a mid-cycle refresh on this business. Having addressed the deceptive bravado, it is time for us to pose a query: Does the 500e really make sense? From a buyer’s perspective, it does provided that mentioned buyer intends to drive this fellow within the city jungle completely. From the automaker’s perspective, Fiat might have performed higher by launching an electrical crossover as an alternative of an electrical three-door hatchback.
The newly revived 600 comes with both inside combustion or a front-mounted electrical motor within the European Union, however its platform wasn’t designed with North American rules in thoughts. The subcompact 600 in query is twinned with the Jeep Avenger, which can also be a forbidden fruit within the US.
Photograph: Fiat
Here is one more query: How does the 500e stack as much as its closest rivals? Value-wise, it is dearer than the MINI Cooper SE Electrical Hardtop 2 Door, which guarantees 114 miles (183 kilometers) for $30,900 sans vacation spot cost and choices. Fairly a bit bigger than the Fiat and MINI, the Chevrolet Equinox EV begins at $34,995 in 1LT FWD taste, thus that means $27,495 after the $7,500 federal tax credit score. The Fiat and MINI sadly don’t qualify.
The 500e can be a tough promote, that is for positive! Gifted with a front-mounted electrical motor that places out 118 horsepower and 162 pound-feet (220 Nm) of torque, the 500e wants an estimated 8.5 seconds to succeed in 60 miles per hour (97 kilometers per hour).
At launch, the (RED) Version should suffice. Pompously described because the “coolest, most moral automotive in city mobility,” the obnoxiously named (RED) Version sports activities pink mirror caps, a pink grille, and 17-inch alloys with a diamond-cut end. The pink theme continues inside, the place you may additionally discover Uconnect 5 touchscreen infotainment and a digital gauge cluster.
A Degree 2 dwelling charger is included within the value of the (RED) Version. Able to charging at as much as 85 kW, the 2024 Fiat 500e requires 35 minutes to replenish its 42-kWh battery pack to 80 p.c. Final however not least, Fiat claims that the second-gen 500e is the lightest electrical automobile within the section, tipping the scales at round 3,000 kilos (1,361 kilograms).
