Five model years after it was last sold in the United States, the Fiat 500e returns for 2024. Olivier Francois, CEO of Fiat and global chief marketing officer of Fiat’s parent company, Stellantis, unveiled the new model Tuesday with U2’s Bono. But unlike the 500’s last go-round in the United States in 2019, a conventional gasoline-powered Fiat 500 will not be offered.
The new 500e is nearly an inch longer and 2 inches taller than its predecessor. Still, you’ll never mistake this hatchback for an SUV of any stripe. It retains its previous model’s cuteness despite its slight growth spurt. But certainly Fiat 500e fans will appreciate the increased size, particularly the lithium-ion battery’s, which has grown to 42 kWh, up from the 2019 model’s 24 kWh. This brings a boost in power, now rated at 118 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, up from 2019’s 111 horsepower and 147 pound-feet of torque. Estimated range is better as well, now at 149 miles, up from 2019’s 84 miles.
When the electrons run out, an 11-kW Level 2 charge requires 4 hours and 15 minutes. But an 85 kW DC Fast charger, should you find one that happens to work, can do a 0-80% in mere 25 minutes, according to Fiat. Put another way, that same charger provides 31 miles of range in 15 minutes.
Of course the other performance Fiat 500e drivers care about is performance. In this case, running 0-60 mph takes 8.5 seconds according to Fiat. The 500e is equipped with three driving modes: Normal, Range and Sherpa. No, really; there’s a Sherpa mode that limits top speed to 50 mph and reduces power from 87 kW to 57 kW to maximize efficiency to make sure you reach your destination if the juice is running low. The Range mode activates heavy regenerative braking that provides the one-pedal driving many EV drivers love.
Driver-assistance systems include Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian Alert, and Lane Keep Assist.
Wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and wireless smartphone charging with Alexa functionality is standard. So is wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging and over-the-air software updates. A 10.25-inch touchscreen comes standard. , the (RED) Edition
On sale in early 2024, the 2024 Fiat 500e will be initially offered in one trim, the (RED) Edition, priced at $32,500, not including a $1,595 destination charge. Every (Red) Edition purchase triggers a donation to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. The (RED) Edition features a red instrument panel, 17-inch diamond cut alloy wheels, LED headlamps and a red exterior. One thing it won’t trigger is a federal tax credit for buyers, as it’s built in Turin, Italy. How that will impact sales remains to be seen. But the 2024 Fiat 500e’s price does include a home L2 Wallbox charger system or charge credits through Free2Move Charge, so that should help ease the sting.
Besides, its inherent cuteness is hard to resist.
“The 2024 500e is a modern, tech- forward take on a beloved classic, delivering a host of new safety features, while remaining fun to drive and true to its roots,” Francois said. “Try not to smile when you drive this car.”
