2024 FIAT 500e: Too Little, Too Late?
The FIATt 500e rode off into the sunset after an unimpressive showing in 2019. However, the little electric vehicle (EV) is back with a new lease on life five years later. So, is the new 2024 FIAT 500e worth its weight in batteries? Or is the diminutive hatchback vaporware?
The 2024 FIAT 500e promises a longer range, more power, and an improved cabin over the discontinued model
The FIAT 500e returns for 2024, this time with a power and range bump over the 2019 model.
| Model | Single-charge range | Horsepower | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 500e | 149 miles | 118 hp | $34,095 |
| 2019 500e | 84 miles | 111 hp | $34,705 |
According to Stellantis, FIAT’s parent company, the new facelifted 500e will cover around 149 miles on a single charge. If that holds true, the high-voltage Bambino will outlast its predecessor by 65 miles. Not a bad improvement. What’s more, the 500e adds 7.0 horsepower to its electrified stable. While that doesn’t sound like much, it’s still a 6.3% improvement over the past model.
However, even with the modest power bump, the marque estimates that the new 500e will take around 8.5 seconds to hit 60 mph. That’s on par with its less potent precursor. Still, the single-charge range is a vast improvement over the paltry 84-mile range of the 2019 model. Moreover, the 500e’s interior gets a material and ergonomic upgrade, ditching some of its more economic attributes.
Steep segment competition might stand in the 2024 FIAT 500e’s path to domination
Stellantis hopes that the 2024 FIAT 500e’s cute, quirky appeal will equate to serious success on this side of the Atlantic. However, the 500e has some steep competition in the MINI Electric Hardtop and Nissan LEAF.
| Model | Single-charge range | Horsepower | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 FIAT 500e | 149 miles | 118 hp | $34,095 |
| 2024 MINI Electric | 110 miles | 181 hp | $31,895 |
| 2024 Nissan LEAF S | 150 miles | 147 hp | $29,255 |
Unfortunately for the 500e, the 2024 MINI Electric outmuscles it by a staggering 63 all-electric ponies. What’s more, the entry-level 2024 Nissan LEAF S will outlast the 500e’s estimated 149-mile range by a single mile. While that isn’t much, the LEAF SV PLUS pushes its range to 226 miles. If the FIAT EV’s retro appeal isn’t enough to outshine the MINI’s punch or the LEAF’s practicality, the little hatchback might receive a cold reception on American soil.
Further, the 500e has to contend with the return of the Chevrolet Bolt, a favorite among budget-minded EV shoppers.
