Can a brilliant tiny electrical automobile nonetheless work within the US? We’ll quickly discover out! Fiat will quickly begin selling the 500e hatchback EV stateside in 2024 for $32,500 ($34,095 together with the vacation spot price), the corporate introduced. It hasn’t been available within the US since 2019, however the newest mannequin is an enormous replace with extra vary, a nicer inside, higher tech and extra.
The 500e is tiny by EV requirements, significantly within the weight division. It places simply 3,000 kilos onto the pavement, making it what Stellantis calls “the lightest passenger BEV within the phase.” It is a refreshing change from bigger electrical SUVs and pickups that may weigh double that, although potential consumers might discover its tiny dimension a detriment, safety-wise.
An enormous purpose for that lack of heft is the comparatively small 42 kWh battery pack that permits for a most 149 mile vary. Contemplating the comparatively sluggish most DC charging fee of 85 kW (supplying you with 80 p.c vary in 35 minutes), which means it is possible for use primarily as a metropolis runabout. On the plus aspect, the worth of the Fiat 500e features a Stage 2 dwelling charger from Fiat’s Free2Move subsidiary (Fiat is a part of Stellantis group which additionally owns Jeep, Chrysler, Citroen, and many others.).
With 117 horsepower and 162 pound ft of torque on faucet, it goes from 0 to 60 MPH in 8.5 seconds — leisurely, however high quality for a metropolis runner. Customers will little doubt focus extra on preserving cost, so it presents three more and more aggressive modes: Regular, Vary and Sherpa.
The inside is nicer than the plasticky one from the 500e bought again in 2019. To date, Fiat has solely proven some idea interiors with crossover designs from Armani, Bulgari and Kartell, although it isn’t clear if these will really be bought within the US. In any case, it does include a ten.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with help for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, together with a wi-fi smartphone charging pad, 7-inch digital gauge show and extra. One enjoyable contact is that the low-speed exterior audio alert (required on all EVs), is customized classical music created by Italian composers.
My first thought after I noticed the $34,095 price ticket was “hey that is the identical worth because the Volvo EX30!” which has 275 miles of vary and much more room. It is also much more than Tesla’s Mannequin 3, which is $28,490 after US federal tax credit (it isn’t clear if the 500e will qualify for these credit, nevertheless it does not appear possible).
Nonetheless, Fiat is little doubt hoping to draw younger or city consumers with the cute design and high-tech options. And as an alternative of mass-marketing the automobile, it is utilizing a method of “dropping” particular variations at common intervals and making them out there for a restricted time, in keeping with Car and Driver. It is set to hit dealerships beginning early subsequent yr.
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