Say hello to…
…the Fiat 500e, the all-electric version of the Stellantis brand’s city car. The 500e, which does not share its underpinnings with other Stellantis cars, is powered by a 117hp motor fed by a 42kWs battery with a 37.3kWh useable capacity.
Officially the 500e, which is available as a hatch and a convertible, has a range of 206 miles which may not sound a great deal by larger car standards. However, the smaller battery and lower weight than many other EVs means the Fiat is more efficient than many larger, heavier electric cars.
The Fiat 500 is available in one trim level, however the firm often offers special editions such as the Red and Icon versions.
Standard equipment on the 500 includes 16-inch alloy wheels, a 10.25-inch infotainment screen with satnav, automatic aircon, cruise control, driving modes, keyless entry and go, auto wipers, seven-inch digital driver’s display, traffic sign recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and three USB sockets.
Is The Fiat 500e Suitable For My Fleet
City cars may not be the most populous sectors within business cars, however the Fiat 500e is a good example of a car that punches well above its weight.
It may only have the footprint of a city car, however this has advantages if you’re less concerned about range and more focussed on efficiency.
We saw a average efficiency of 3.7 miles per kWh including a high proportion of motorway miles. This is far better than initial expectations. On shorter non-motorway trips the efficiency was well above 4.0 m/kWh and when using the eco Sherpa drive mode this increased to above 5.0m/kWh. At this level, real-world range could rise to more than 186 miles.
However, while the small size may help efficiency, it is not an advantage if you need a large boot or to carry passengers.
The boot is 185 litres – which is fine for a week’s shopping, but not much more – and the rear seats are cramped for adults.
Leasing A Fiat 500e
As a city car, costs are also lower than more common larger EVs. Intelligent Car Leasing is offering the 500e hatchback on a 3+36 contract with 10,000 miles per year for £449 a month. Whole life costs are also good, with maintenance at £46 a month and Class 1A NIC costs at less than £7 a month thanks to a low list price, according to Gensen Reports.
Driving A Fiat 500e
Being small don’t always mean a compromise when it comes to the ride and handling of a car and the Fiat 500e shows how good a city car can be.
Yes, there’s not a huge amount of space inside which means those with big shoes may occasionally press more than one pedal at the same time (with the same foot). And taller drivers may find the top of the door quite close to their head.
However, in most other respects, the car is far better than you’d expect.
While Fiat claims a 0-60mph time of 9.0 seconds, the car feels much nippier, both around town and on the motorway.
In fact, the Fiat 500e is far more at home on the motorway than it has any right to be. Not only is it quick enough for longer hauls, but it’s remarkably settled, comfortable and refined.
Around town the steering is well weighted and suitably direct which gives the 500 a fun feel. The car also feels more settled over bumps than the petrol equivalent too.
One pedal driving is available and the regeneration is well judged, however, when slowing down, the final stop feels a little grabby on the brakes.
The overall result is an impressive car that would suit more business users than you’d expect from a city car.
FleetandLeasing.com Verdict On The Fiat 500e
Fun, sensible and efficient, the Fiat 500e is an impressive city car.
Fiat 500e
- Model: 500e 42kWh
- Power: 117hp
- Torque: 220Nm
- Max speed: 93mph
- 0-62mph: 9.0s
- Official range: 206 miles
- Test range: 138 miles*
- CO2 emissions: 0g/km
- BIK tax band 2022/23: 2%
* ambient temp circa 15degC
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