- Fiat has unveiled the new 500 hatchback as an electric model (but without an "e" in its name).
- A 42.0-kWh battery allows the new 500 to travel up to 199 miles as estimated on the European WLTP cycle.
- Fiat hasn't announced whether or not the electric 500 will come to the U.S.
As any Fiat 500 fan knows, the gasoline-powered Fiat 500 is dead, and Fiat recently announced that it will no longer offer any 500s in the U.S. The Italian automaker used to offer an electric version of the little hatchback, called the 500e, but that "e" is now gone, too. That's the bad news. But here's the good news: Fiat has just introduced this new all-electric Fiat 500. It may be only available in Europe for now, but we're hopeful.
It's equipped with a 42.0-kWh lithium-ion battery, yielding an estimated range of 199 miles on the European WLTP cycle—which more than double the range of the former 500e. Fiat claims a zero-to-62-mph time of 9.0 seconds and zero to 31 mph in 3.1 seconds. The new electrified Fiat hatch has three driving modes: Normal, Range, and Sherpa, which maximizes the car's range to help it reach a given destination.
The new 500 looks similar to the ones we once got here in the U.S., but it's even cuter and features a new, even more retro design, making us sad we won't see them here. It's 2.4 inches longer and 2.4 inches wider, and the wheelbase has been stretched 0.8 inch. Additionally, the "500" badge is more prominent on the front grille, taking place of the Fiat logo. Since the 500e name is no more, Fiat made sure to tout it's electrified hatch with a blue 500 badge with the last zero looking like the letter e.
Adaptive cruise control and lane centering are available, and the new 500 is the first Fiat to come equipped with Fiat Chrysler's new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which features Amazon Alexa and over-the-air updates, on a 10.3-inch touchscreen. By replacing the gear selector with buttons on the dash, Fiat was able to open up the center console, allowing for more storage space between the front seats.
European customers can now pre-order the Fiat 500 La Prima launch edition, which has LED headlights, "eco-leather" upholstery, 17-inch diamond-cut wheels, and chrome inserts on the windows and side panels. Unfortunately, Fiat hasn't announced whether or not we'll eventually get the new 500 in the U.S, though we're hopeful.
Sitting on the floor of the library and poring over issues of Car and Driver is one of Connor Hoffman's earliest memories. Choosing to attend the nation's top-ranked journalism school at the University of Missouri and graduating with a magazine writing emphasis was all part of chasing his dream of writing for Car and Driver. When he's not bragging about Mizzou having the best journalism program in the country, he's probably on a rant about Toyota trucks.
