I love the 500e. I previously owned both a 500 Pop and 500 Abarth, and loved them as well. But what I don't love is the insane MSRP, and dealers quoting leases between 500-650/month (even with 7500 Stellantis incentive). Fiat's pricing of this thing is going to kill it, especially with other EV competitors in the U.S.
Great video. I tracked my personal commuting habits, bought a 2017 500e - and luckily can use it as my full-time ride. It charges to 105-122 mile range, and regen braking is a huge benefit. I can deliver 22+ folding chairs easily. I am about to add a bike rack. I love the comfort, lightness and efficiency. Will consider 500e Cabrio in the future! Thank you Fiat.💥💥💥
This is exciting! My wife and I really miss our 500 pops, and I'm glad to see them back. The range for me isn't an issue. I'd be using it to commute 30 miles each way. Given gas has shot up to $5 a gallon where I am, I've been looking for an EV for under $40k. The price is a little steep, but if I can lease or finance at $300 a month near zero down, it's a no brainier for me. I think if they dropped the (red) it would be closer to $30k. For comparison, the second fiat 500 pop we purchased new was $16k after taxes in 2015.
you can get a 2019-2020 model 3 with under 60K miles for less than $25K before the tax credit, so around $21K after the tax credit including destination and highway tax.
@@HHRS yep! Unfortunately it's difficult to get them to IL. Most of the online retailers want $2k in shipping.... **Edit** just saw you said model 3 not used 500e. I don't like Tesla for several reasons. Quality issues, fit and finish, actual battery life, lack of heat pumps, etc.
I drive a 2017 500e and it has been great for a daily commuter. These cars are perfect for urban enviroments and I expect the new model with the longer range will be a big improvement.
The black plastic door cards are surprising and disappointing, because Fiat has traditionally been really good with using colorful materials and different textures to mask a budget interior. Hard black plastic seems very un-Fiat-like. Having said that, I've always loved the 500, and I'm happy to see them come back to North America in any form. (And as cool as the 500e is, does anyone else wish Fiat had brought back the ICE Abarth?)
I have owned a 2013 Fiat 500 Abarth 5spd and a 2015 Fiat 500 Abarth 6spd automatic and kept both about 3yrs. Not a single problem with either one. Service was fine. Enjoyable and would buy another in the future...
I love this as a second car. Looking around most people are alone in their vehicles and most aren't going very far. So for a running around town car, this would be perfect. Though in a nation where most people are buying trucks as daily drivers, such a small car will be a hard sell.
You make sense. I drive a Honda Fit and realize how little I use the space. However one thing is that the economy is not doing great and cars are more expensive than ever. Having to buy and maintain a smaller 2nd car is out of the question for most people. Also small cars have high insurance rates. At least that's what my insurance told me. I do have little faith in the thing in the event of any collision. I feel like hitting a mailbox wpuld kill me. It makes more sense for buyers to get a compact or mid size sedan or cuv. It can handle most of what life handles and plus most Americans will definitely prefer the looks of the larger car. I personally have zero plans to ever even look into a small car ever again.
It's very cute, but $37,000 USD means around $50,000 CAD and... yeah, that's not going to happen, even if I'm pretty much the target market for the car. (I'm short, live alone, and have a longish commute)
I completely agree with you, but I must say, I was just at the Gatineau EV show. They were offering some very attractive lease deals, albeit I’m not sure what the terms were. I do know the listed offer was $69 a week. Might be worth talking to a dealer about that. But yes, I agree about the price otherwise.
@@benjaminbomberg There are pretty strong government rebates on EV vehicles here in BC, at least. That small Mazda electric SUV has some crazy deals but I dunno if it would be good for a 45km each way commute in winter.
I think the price of this vehicle will make it really hard to sell. It might end up like the Mazda MX-30. Both have a high price, low range, and less practical design. Not only that, Fiat has to fight the negative stigma of it being a unreliable. I wish Fiat the best of luck, but I wouldn't be surprised if it got discontinued due to poor sales.
The whole unreliable thing revolves around Fiat's ICE engines. At least in my mind it does. We need more EV cars like this but the price tag does need to be smaller and a larger range. Here in New England that 150 mile range will shrink to 50 miles (or less) during the winter with the heat blasting the whole time.
@@nodak81 Fiat in italy is super reliable with engines, its everything else that falls apart. Fiat made in mexico is built like crap and engines are weird, not italian engines at all. in italy fiat 500 usually had a 1.2 FIRE engine super reliable same as the 1.3 multijet diesel and 1.4 petrol. in america they put the tigershark engine, wtf is that? :)
Where I live in canada I saw a deal advertising this for $39 CAD + tx per week for a 36 month lease. Not bad at all as a second car if your work commute is in range.
Crazy that marketers didn't think the Fiat Panda (4x4) wouldn't be a good fit for the US. Even crazier is that Fiat didn't see fit to electrify the current Panda (without turning its successor into an SUV)
Great review, I owned the Gen 1 and traded it in for A Chevy Bolt this past September, mainly because of the limited range and exhaustion from having to charge every other day coupled with sub par climate control system. I gave up beauty for practicality. Couldn't wait for the 2024 model. BTW, you look like you lost some weight, looks good on you.
Bought the "Red" version with the 42 KWh battery in 2023 (in France). Reliability problems from day one. I couldn't use the car for months. When I got it back, the range was barely 155 km, so, less than 100 miles. Good luck if you buy it....
I kinda like this little cutie. It’s a 2 door knockabout runabout without a ginormous price tag and has just almost enough range to be everyday useful. And it’s got a decent size front cabin and seating area for two larger people. Plus it got the classic Fiat 500 style look. Unless it’s becomes a hit in the boutique car world, we still will probably not see large numbers of these sold in the US. Too bad we won’t see the convertible or the canary yellow or robins egg blue color choices.
This is the kind of ev that I’ve been waiting for. I live in LA, and this would be a perfect commuting and errand car for tight parking lots. The fact that it is more affordable than where the ev market seems to be. That being said, I would love an ev Fit or Corolla hatch.
I will say that I am excited we are finally getting usable small EVs. I think they had a really good opportunity here to make this car price comparable to an ICE vehicle. With a battery this small, it can't be that expensive to make. I will be curious to see how the upcoming Mini Cooper electric will fair. But for 35k, it would be hard to convince me to pass on a Kona for this. I think we also have to keep in mind about leases. Just comparing MSRP is easy since it doesn't change often. But the current lease price of any Hyundai EV is impossible to beat. According to Fiatusa right now, the lease for the 500e is awful compared to a Hyundai.
Coming from Europe there's lots I want to love about the 500e. It's like the new Prius in a way where the PR dept pushes it two steps forward and one stride back. It is too expensive in Europe for the sake of appealing to typical new 500 buyers (wealthy who wants a 4th car who would buy a MINI). The debut for the car was literally adorned with Italian fashion brands and that show's Fiat's aim. Profit begets inflation afterall ... The scratchy plastic doors is definitely a step back from the exposed painted metal that was an attractive, characterful element of the previous 500. The big fat tyres don't help but only the 24kWh 500e has sensible rubber. There should be no reason for Fiat not to have a Panda on the same platform. Or at least a Giardinia (estate) 500 The 500e is almost 4 years old now? Fiat/Stellantis should pull their fingers out and step up their act with some needed versatility, not fashionable toys for rich tastes.
Seeing Alex kneeling to look under the hood made me laugh 😂. But seriously, thinking about this vehicle involved in crash with most popular vehicle in US (F150) gives me chills.
Neat car, thanks Alex! I'm waiting for the Aptera before I make another switch. Have you looked into that one? It's not quite production ready yet but we're hoping it won't be long!
At that price, the higher trim does need to add some more premium features. I would want memory seats/profiles. Reduce the hard plastic as well. We love our 2014 Fiat 500e that is primarily driven by our daughter. I would use it a lot more if I didn't have to mess with her seat setup every time.
I heard Fiat is looking to bring the ICE version of the 500 to the US too. I always love the look and size of the 500, but I wasn't in the market to get one when it was available.
This will never sell at that price and I wouldn’t be surprised to see screaming lease deals in a year or two. China sells a BYD Seagull for $10k. Even at a 100% premium to that car (which honestly isn’t far off where this is) this should be $25k tops.
It's lighter, shorter, has a bigger battery, and gets lower range/lower mpge than my 2020 ioniq. How? For context, my 2020 had a 38.8kwh battery, was 3900lbs, had a full 2 rows with 5 seats, full hatch that was bigger than this with the rear seats down, and it got 5mi/kwh.
i don't think this is a particularly good car, as you said mid range and 37k$ to buy?!! here in Greece the basic model starts at 32k euros... it's definitely not worth that much, at like 22k it would had been amazing
Describing subcompacts as Urban or City cars is a foolish characterization, even if you're just repeating Stellantis' talking points. You can drive this car 150 miles, which is farther than many motorcycles can go. Yet we don't call those motorcycles city motorcycles. We don't call them urban motorcycles. If you drive 150 miles a daily, you are a doing a very extreme thing and you are a rare exception. If you need to drive more than 150 miles for your annual or biannual vacation learn to compromise for that exceptional circumstance instead of buying an oversized battery for the extreme case you actually never see. Let's stop marginalizing small cars. I REALLY appreciate that you immediately pointed out that these smaller battery EVs are better for the Climate Crisis, Alex. Just like we can build 200 e-bikes with the same battery materials as a single 100kWh Tesla, Tycan, or EV9, we can also build more than two Fiat 500s. It is critical people understand and acknowledge that we don't have the mining and refinement infrastructure in place to support an entire EV fleet. This was a massive mistake Musk made when he led us to believe we could all drive no-compromise EVs. Our newest mistake in the EV evolution is pretending we can afford to transition with no-compromise giant EV pickups and SUVs. Because in addition to lacking the emissions budget to produce them (Rivian R1T has 39 tons CO2e emissions just in production), lacking the raw materials to build them (existing infrastructure including mining and refinement), we also cannot afford the massive efficiency hits those oversized EVs will require of a grid which history is proving is too slow to transition to renewables. Our renewable adoption thus far isn't even keeping up with our new energy demand. Thank you for including hints of that here. I know the subject is a tough one for an automotive review channel, but this Crisis is the most important challenge that human beings has ever faced, and solving it wrong means irreversible devastation.
Seems like a fun little ride especially if they bring the convertible to the US. Ok Alex, how does this compare to the old Chevy Spark EV. Thanks to your review on the old Spark EV, it made me test drive one 3+ years ago and ultimately to purchase one. If only GM would've updated it over the years. If only the Spark had a faster onboard charger and more range. Fiat did a nice job with the new 500e but not enough for me to replace the Spark.
Alex, have you heard any word on the 600e coming to the US? It’s strange to me that didn’t bring that car instead, given that it’s a bit larger and has 4 doors.
In Europe we have Jeep Avenger - built in Poland in Tychy with bigger Fiat 600. 4 door, 5 people ev as well as ICE option. Wondering if Jeep brings the smallest one in US.
Frustrated that I have to choose between adaptive cruise or cloth seats. I live in the sunbelt, so leather means more sweating. But my commute is much more tolerable with adaptive cruise.
MINI SE (F56BEV) has slightly less range and safety tech, but I'd still take it over this. It's not enough of a difference to matter. SE ends up being significantly nicer, similar pricing from new. Slightly more practical, more power, and it just looks better. FIAT says it's a style focused vehicle, but cheaps out without cutting the price? Not worth it.
The new MINI Cooper SE (J01) is going to be vastly superior to this 500, but it’s gonna be a hot minute before we get it in the US. Glad to see Stellantis hasn’t given up on style-forward small cars
Good for Fiat! I think Alex would agree that the only proper way to review the 500E is to rent one for a week in Turin. Still time to beat tourist season.
Regen in Polestar 2 RWD and Model 3 RWD is super strong. My FWD e-Golf has weak regen in comparison. Not convinced FWD helps regen. I think battery size matters more than driven wheels since bigger packs can accept more power input.
@@AAutoBuyersGuideI am aware of the difference. I drive my e-Golf in B mode and only use the brake pedal to stop the car in emergencies (rare) or to bring it to a full stop after lifting my right foot has done most of the work to bring the car to a few mph.
@@AAutoBuyersGuideit is possible, but I have seen the power meter get pegged to the end of the green zone by lifting off in B mode and even the the max regen does is not as strong as I experienced in RWD EVs. Of course, I don’t have any quantitative measurements, but since I’ve been driving an e-Golf for 100,000 miles, I think my body is pretty well calibrated.
Seems like the Mini Cooper SE is an obvious alternative. I loved my old Fiat 500c but these models seem to have lost the magic. Interior styling doesn't grab me. I actually prefer the old compliance car 500e to this. Convertible model would change the equation though.
Cute. I'd like one if it was $25K, was 1 foot longer and had four doors. I am waiting for Ford, GM, Honda, Toyota, VW, Kia, Hyundai, etc to build affordable EVs in the USA (or at least NA). My 2019 Golf wagon is the most practical and efficient vehicle I have ever had, so what I'd really like is a small EV or PHEV station wagon like you can get in Europe. The current crop of large and expensive EVs is a nearly saturated market in the US. Perhaps a new and improved Bolt will be the answer (if GM brings it back with that name.)
This is cute and easy to park, but otherwise it is the low dog on the totem pole of EVs. A new new LEAF with similar range, high reliablity, broad dealer network, and way more room for $29K is a far better deal. When the 1st Fiat 500e in 2014, Chrysler's Chief Executive Sergio Marchionne 500e famously said to an audience at the Brookings Institute: " “I hope you don’t buy it because every time I sell one it costs me $14,000; I’m honest enough to tell you that.” IF I recall correctly, the 1st generation sold so poorly that Fiat had to severely discount them ($10K?). I have an acquaintance in SoCa who bought one for a commute that fit in its range and it was amazingly cheap to buy and drive back then. At this price, with this range (even though it is a big improvement over the 2014 model's 84 miles), and lack of dealer network it looks to me like this is still a money losing proposition for Fiat. ply
Need to be around 30K. So with the tax credit lease you can get the 7500. Then it makes it a decent car. 34K is way too steep especially because cars like the Chevy bolt were offered for 27.5K
This is great. A two door electric is what I’m looking for. Is this and the mini cooper ev the only two-doors ev? I’ll have to see the cooper ev as well
There are many BMW i3 owners who have been looking for a similar small EV. The question is if this will be available on lease and eligible for the $7500 tax break.
This. It has an existing target audience but not at such ridiculously high prices. Don't forget folks: When you overpay for stuff you are part of the inflation problem. For the same price tag you have better existing options in the EV department.
Do they have a thermoregulate battery ? If yes, is it possible pre-conditioning the battery for a quick charge in a cold weather ?? It's the time for little EV...
Interesting. Thank you. I thought a light vehicle specified this way would have much better performance. The range, power, recharge, price, size tradeoff are awful value compared to a Model 3. Good try. But no thanks. Don't want an expensive golf cart. Perhaps Stellantis can actually make money on these in the $12-15k range. Then it might sell as a material affordable alternative.
This should start at 25k tops for that poor range and slow recharge time. Then bring the Abarth in at 30k. Electric car resale values drop like a rock too, so wait a year and buy it used for 20k.
Wonder if this electric set up would fit in a Fiat Spider. Always thought it would be an awesome little electric sports coupe, maybe it will be resurrected as such.
I don’t think they’re really that bad anymore. No worse than most other manufacturers apart from Toyota/Honda. I had 2, a 2012 500 Sport and a 2013 Abarth. The only issue I ever had was with the Abarth, and it was due to the brand of ignition coils I used when doing a tune up, it didn’t like NGK coils 🥴 Never had a check engine light, oil leak, or any other issue 🤷🏻♂️
Someone is stuck in the 80s mentality. Technology in metallurgy, auto assembly, and manufacturing has change so much tolerance and measurements are so tight. Everything is reliable these days.
I could see the Fiat being better if you want to carry a third person or a kid. It also has a roomier rear hatch and not having to pay city gas prices would also be nice.
@@faeinthebay If you are going to buy an urban only EV, why not buy something much more practical? This model is being pitched as a sporty fun car, but it lacks the range to be taken out of town on Sunday morning backroad runs. It’s basically an urban only commuter and a (quite expensive) second vehicle if you also have a requirement for vehicle that can take the family out of town. So my point is, if you are going to have a proper vehicle and a toy, why not buy a proper toy? The Miata also runs on the smell of an oily rag so fuel isn’t even going to cost you much.
@@richardhoulton4016I totally agree with everything you said, except the Miata isn’t that efficient, especially for what it is. My 04 gets less than 30 on the hwy. High rpms and lots of downforce
Good video great little car. There’s a place in this world for something besides four-door jacked up 3 ton trucks that cost 80 grand.
This car costs 34k on road in Washington state usa. I can get a tesla model 3 or nissan leaf for 29k
Honestly I think it’s fantastic! It’s adorable, efficient, zippy, and unique. Haters gonna hate.
I like it too.👍
I like it too. I think it’s cute.
I have a soft spot for the abarth
It is. I like it too. Just for 20k, not 30k+.
@@DJPleasureSeekingMissleexactly, it’s $10k overpriced
I love the 500e. I previously owned both a 500 Pop and 500 Abarth, and loved them as well. But what I don't love is the insane MSRP, and dealers quoting leases between 500-650/month (even with 7500 Stellantis incentive). Fiat's pricing of this thing is going to kill it, especially with other EV competitors in the U.S.
Great video. I tracked my personal commuting habits, bought a 2017 500e - and luckily can use it as my full-time ride. It charges to 105-122 mile range, and regen braking is a huge benefit. I can deliver 22+ folding chairs easily. I am about to add a bike rack. I love the comfort, lightness and efficiency. Will consider 500e Cabrio in the future! Thank you Fiat.💥💥💥
This is exciting! My wife and I really miss our 500 pops, and I'm glad to see them back. The range for me isn't an issue. I'd be using it to commute 30 miles each way. Given gas has shot up to $5 a gallon where I am, I've been looking for an EV for under $40k. The price is a little steep, but if I can lease or finance at $300 a month near zero down, it's a no brainier for me. I think if they dropped the (red) it would be closer to $30k. For comparison, the second fiat 500 pop we purchased new was $16k after taxes in 2015.
you can get a 2019-2020 model 3 with under 60K miles for less than $25K before the tax credit, so around $21K after the tax credit including destination and highway tax.
@@HHRS yep! Unfortunately it's difficult to get them to IL. Most of the online retailers want $2k in shipping....
**Edit** just saw you said model 3 not used 500e. I don't like Tesla for several reasons. Quality issues, fit and finish, actual battery life, lack of heat pumps, etc.
I drive a 2017 500e and it has been great for a daily commuter. These cars are perfect for urban enviroments and I expect the new model with the longer range will be a big improvement.
I love my 2017 500e!!
The black plastic door cards are surprising and disappointing, because Fiat has traditionally been really good with using colorful materials and different textures to mask a budget interior. Hard black plastic seems very un-Fiat-like.
Having said that, I've always loved the 500, and I'm happy to see them come back to North America in any form. (And as cool as the 500e is, does anyone else wish Fiat had brought back the ICE Abarth?)
I have owned a 2013 Fiat 500 Abarth 5spd and a 2015 Fiat 500 Abarth 6spd automatic and kept both about 3yrs. Not a single problem with either one. Service was fine. Enjoyable and would buy another in the future...
Wow Alex you’re nailing these reviews, especially given the much more intricate details of modern EV cars. Cheers!
I love this as a second car. Looking around most people are alone in their vehicles and most aren't going very far. So for a running around town car, this would be perfect. Though in a nation where most people are buying trucks as daily drivers, such a small car will be a hard sell.
You make sense. I drive a Honda Fit and realize how little I use the space. However one thing is that the economy is not doing great and cars are more expensive than ever. Having to buy and maintain a smaller 2nd car is out of the question for most people.
Also small cars have high insurance rates. At least that's what my insurance told me. I do have little faith in the thing in the event of any collision. I feel like hitting a mailbox wpuld kill me.
It makes more sense for buyers to get a compact or mid size sedan or cuv. It can handle most of what life handles and plus most Americans will definitely prefer the looks of the larger car.
I personally have zero plans to ever even look into a small car ever again.
Does anyone know why people buy trucks as daily drivers?
It's very cute, but $37,000 USD means around $50,000 CAD and... yeah, that's not going to happen, even if I'm pretty much the target market for the car. (I'm short, live alone, and have a longish commute)
I completely agree with you, but I must say, I was just at the Gatineau EV show. They were offering some very attractive lease deals, albeit I’m not sure what the terms were. I do know the listed offer was $69 a week. Might be worth talking to a dealer about that. But yes, I agree about the price otherwise.
how many cats? 😂
@@rossr6616 just the one, but she's pretty evil
@@benjaminbomberg There are pretty strong government rebates on EV vehicles here in BC, at least. That small Mazda electric SUV has some crazy deals but I dunno if it would be good for a 45km each way commute in winter.
max $30000 CAD might
At 7:42 Tactical maneuver elbowing that rear seat headrest into position, without even breaking eye contact with the camera. Gave me a good laugh.
I think the price of this vehicle will make it really hard to sell. It might end up like the Mazda MX-30. Both have a high price, low range, and less practical design. Not only that, Fiat has to fight the negative stigma of it being a unreliable. I wish Fiat the best of luck, but I wouldn't be surprised if it got discontinued due to poor sales.
The 500e has 49% more range than the MX-30. And is way cuter.
The whole unreliable thing revolves around Fiat's ICE engines. At least in my mind it does. We need more EV cars like this but the price tag does need to be smaller and a larger range. Here in New England that 150 mile range will shrink to 50 miles (or less) during the winter with the heat blasting the whole time.
@@nodak81 Fiat in italy is super reliable with engines, its everything else that falls apart. Fiat made in mexico is built like crap and engines are weird, not italian engines at all. in italy fiat 500 usually had a 1.2 FIRE engine super reliable same as the 1.3 multijet diesel and 1.4 petrol. in america they put the tigershark engine, wtf is that? :)
@@CMCNestT I prefer the MX30 styling. And used it costs way less than half the fiat. So, a better deal per mile.
@@CMCNestTFor the American market these days cute cars don't sell. I think the first gen Miata got away with it. But this? Yeah no.
Where I live in canada I saw a deal advertising this for $39 CAD + tx per week for a 36 month lease. Not bad at all as a second car if your work commute is in range.
Crazy that marketers didn't think the Fiat Panda (4x4) wouldn't be a good fit for the US.
Even crazier is that Fiat didn't see fit to electrify the current Panda (without turning its successor into an SUV)
I think it comes down to the compass and renegade being on the same chassis, they dont want to take too much market from their other makes.
Good idea, but only makes sense if these lease for
We love our 2015 500e! Still going strong!
I owned the Fiat Abarth in NYC. I had so much fun driving it.
oh CUTE!!
And I love all the little easter eggs! Especially the FIATFIATFIAT seats!
Great review, I owned the Gen 1 and traded it in for A Chevy Bolt this past September, mainly because of the limited range and exhaustion from having to charge every other day coupled with sub par climate control system. I gave up beauty for practicality. Couldn't wait for the 2024 model. BTW, you look like you lost some weight, looks good on you.
Bought the "Red" version with the 42 KWh battery in 2023 (in France). Reliability problems from day one. I couldn't use the car for months. When I got it back, the range was barely 155 km, so, less than 100 miles. Good luck if you buy it....
La France a-t-elle des « Lemon Laws » ?
We always joke about FIAT. F.I.A.T = Fix It Again Tony...
I’ve had mine for two and a half years (a Red too) and have had no problems in 65,000kms…
This is more interesting than the new 4Runner which I've waited for a decade. 🤣
great review! I ordered my rose gold and can't wait for it to get here. I do really wish it had a sunroof, though! : (
Man alive those trousers are tight…….makes the back seats of the 500 look spacious 🎉🎉🎉
I kinda like this little cutie. It’s a 2 door knockabout runabout without a ginormous price tag and has just almost enough range to be everyday useful. And it’s got a decent size front cabin and seating area for two larger people. Plus it got the classic Fiat 500 style look. Unless it’s becomes a hit in the boutique car world, we still will probably not see large numbers of these sold in the US. Too bad we won’t see the convertible or the canary yellow or robins egg blue color choices.
3:07, the silouette is La Mole Antoneliana, former synagogue and currently the museum of the cinema, not the cathedral.
Thank You folks for All that you are doing for our Planet Earth.... Peace.. Shalom.. Salam.. Namaste
🙏🏻 😊 ✌ ☮ ❤ 🕊
This is the kind of ev that I’ve been waiting for. I live in LA, and this would be a perfect commuting and errand car for tight parking lots. The fact that it is more affordable than where the ev market seems to be. That being said, I would love an ev Fit or Corolla hatch.
The Bolt wasn’t small enough?
have you tried a used BMW i3? It’s perfect for LA in my opinion
There are also many used Bolts in SoCal that are around $13k after the $4k tax credit
Wow, such a cool little car. Glad FIAT is bringing this EV back to the states.
It’s a tough sell as is, but I’d definitely consider buying one if it were a convertible!
You should check 500c then.
@@Laaracansever but the 500c is not available in USA.
European streets are
Totally different to the US. What we Europeans find this little car amazing.
Nice little commuter. If you gotta run errands around town this looks to the job.
Hope to see 15 inch wheel options out here.
I hope we get the convertible or at least a sunroof version! It’s a must for me. Thanks for the detailed review!
I will say that I am excited we are finally getting usable small EVs. I think they had a really good opportunity here to make this car price comparable to an ICE vehicle. With a battery this small, it can't be that expensive to make. I will be curious to see how the upcoming Mini Cooper electric will fair. But for 35k, it would be hard to convince me to pass on a Kona for this.
I think we also have to keep in mind about leases. Just comparing MSRP is easy since it doesn't change often. But the current lease price of any Hyundai EV is impossible to beat. According to Fiatusa right now, the lease for the 500e is awful compared to a Hyundai.
Coming from Europe there's lots I want to love about the 500e. It's like the new Prius in a way where the PR dept pushes it two steps forward and one stride back. It is too expensive in Europe for the sake of appealing to typical new 500 buyers (wealthy who wants a 4th car who would buy a MINI). The debut for the car was literally adorned with Italian fashion brands and that show's Fiat's aim. Profit begets inflation afterall ...
The scratchy plastic doors is definitely a step back from the exposed painted metal that was an attractive, characterful element of the previous 500. The big fat tyres don't help but only the 24kWh 500e has sensible rubber.
There should be no reason for Fiat not to have a Panda on the same platform. Or at least a Giardinia (estate) 500
The 500e is almost 4 years old now? Fiat/Stellantis should pull their fingers out and step up their act with some needed versatility, not fashionable toys for rich tastes.
@23:12 cute Easter egg. Is that your kid with the “gnahahah” and hand wave , Alex ( )?
I really wish it was a trucklet since we can't get any kei vehicles.
Ok, I didn't realize it was a Product Red, not just a red trim level.
Seeing Alex kneeling to look under the hood made me laugh 😂. But seriously, thinking about this vehicle involved in crash with most popular vehicle in US (F150) gives me chills.
Neat car, thanks Alex! I'm waiting for the Aptera before I make another switch. Have you looked into that one? It's not quite production ready yet but we're hoping it won't be long!
At that price, the higher trim does need to add some more premium features. I would want memory seats/profiles. Reduce the hard plastic as well. We love our 2014 Fiat 500e that is primarily driven by our daughter. I would use it a lot more if I didn't have to mess with her seat setup every time.
Drum brakes are also much easier on maintenance in the rust belt areas and mainly on brakes that are hardly used thanks to regen
Yes! Bring on the convertible! Especially the Abarth version!
I miss my 500 Abarth, but they're asking for a lot of money for this for me to consider it. Would be perfect for my commute
I heard Fiat is looking to bring the ICE version of the 500 to the US too. I always love the look and size of the 500, but I wasn't in the market to get one when it was available.
I hope they do, I'd be in the market for a new ICE Abarth.
This will never sell at that price and I wouldn’t be surprised to see screaming lease deals in a year or two. China sells a BYD Seagull for $10k. Even at a 100% premium to that car (which honestly isn’t far off where this is) this should be $25k tops.
Plastics are good. So easy to clean, safe and very durable. Nobody makes metal or wood dashboards anymore.
It's lighter, shorter, has a bigger battery, and gets lower range/lower mpge than my 2020 ioniq. How?
For context, my 2020 had a 38.8kwh battery, was 3900lbs, had a full 2 rows with 5 seats, full hatch that was bigger than this with the rear seats down, and it got 5mi/kwh.
i don't think this is a particularly good car, as you said mid range and 37k$ to buy?!! here in Greece the basic model starts at 32k euros... it's definitely not worth that much, at like 22k it would had been amazing
in 2023 this was the 6th best selling EV in all of europe and the 4th best selling in germany (who otherwise hates and doesn't buy Fiat)
Just think, in a year or two, golf courses can buy them for $10k, take the doors off and use them for luxury golf golf carts.
Describing subcompacts as Urban or City cars is a foolish characterization, even if you're just repeating Stellantis' talking points. You can drive this car 150 miles, which is farther than many motorcycles can go. Yet we don't call those motorcycles city motorcycles. We don't call them urban motorcycles.
If you drive 150 miles a daily, you are a doing a very extreme thing and you are a rare exception. If you need to drive more than 150 miles for your annual or biannual vacation learn to compromise for that exceptional circumstance instead of buying an oversized battery for the extreme case you actually never see.
Let's stop marginalizing small cars. I REALLY appreciate that you immediately pointed out that these smaller battery EVs are better for the Climate Crisis, Alex. Just like we can build 200 e-bikes with the same battery materials as a single 100kWh Tesla, Tycan, or EV9, we can also build more than two Fiat 500s. It is critical people understand and acknowledge that we don't have the mining and refinement infrastructure in place to support an entire EV fleet. This was a massive mistake Musk made when he led us to believe we could all drive no-compromise EVs. Our newest mistake in the EV evolution is pretending we can afford to transition with no-compromise giant EV pickups and SUVs. Because in addition to lacking the emissions budget to produce them (Rivian R1T has 39 tons CO2e emissions just in production), lacking the raw materials to build them (existing infrastructure including mining and refinement), we also cannot afford the massive efficiency hits those oversized EVs will require of a grid which history is proving is too slow to transition to renewables. Our renewable adoption thus far isn't even keeping up with our new energy demand.
Thank you for including hints of that here. I know the subject is a tough one for an automotive review channel, but this Crisis is the most important challenge that human beings has ever faced, and solving it wrong means irreversible devastation.
Can’t wait for the convertible to hit the market. I’ll be the first in line to buy one!!!!
So happy 😆 it’s back ❤❤❤❤❤ love both versions ( old and new) .
Seems like a fun little ride especially if they bring the convertible to the US. Ok Alex, how does this compare to the old Chevy Spark EV. Thanks to your review on the old Spark EV, it made me test drive one 3+ years ago and ultimately to purchase one. If only GM would've updated it over the years. If only the Spark had a faster onboard charger and more range. Fiat did a nice job with the new 500e but not enough for me to replace the Spark.
If Fiat gives 'rear seat delete' factory option, this will be my first EV.
Do like I did with my Mini Cooper electric, I did a rear seat delete on my own.
Such a good looking and fun vehicle. Makes me wish I didn't need anything more than this size of vehicle. Thanks Alex. Love your reviews.
Alex, have you heard any word on the 600e coming to the US? It’s strange to me that didn’t bring that car instead, given that it’s a bit larger and has 4 doors.
In Europe we have Jeep Avenger - built in Poland in Tychy with bigger Fiat 600. 4 door, 5 people ev as well as ICE option. Wondering if Jeep brings the smallest one in US.
Frustrated that I have to choose between adaptive cruise or cloth seats. I live in the sunbelt, so leather means more sweating. But my commute is much more tolerable with adaptive cruise.
Love two spoke steering wheels 😻
MINI SE (F56BEV) has slightly less range and safety tech, but I'd still take it over this. It's not enough of a difference to matter. SE ends up being significantly nicer, similar pricing from new. Slightly more practical, more power, and it just looks better. FIAT says it's a style focused vehicle, but cheaps out without cutting the price? Not worth it.
Americans cannot fathom owning anything smaller than a three row tank
they should have brought the convertible version to the US instead of te regular version
If you want to see some hilarious depreciation, just check a used one of these in a year or two lol😂
Alex was listening to Dik Dik. LOL.
Wow THANK you for this awesome review!!!
The new MINI Cooper SE (J01) is going to be vastly superior to this 500, but it’s gonna be a hot minute before we get it in the US. Glad to see Stellantis hasn’t given up on style-forward small cars
Love the looks. Were I in the market for such a vehicle, it would be on the short list.
Why? A new Model Y costs the same as the base price after rebate.
@@philsalley3278 Styling.
@@phlipschnodtA decades old design is not stylish but if you like a cute golf cart-ish toy vs a real, practical, fast, great range EV, go for it.
Good for Fiat! I think Alex would agree that the only proper way to review the 500E is to rent one for a week in Turin. Still time to beat tourist season.
Regen in Polestar 2 RWD and Model 3 RWD is super strong. My FWD e-Golf has weak regen in comparison. Not convinced FWD helps regen. I think battery size matters more than driven wheels since bigger packs can accept more power input.
Throttle lift off regen and max regen are not the same thing in an EV with blended braking like an e Golf
@@AAutoBuyersGuideI am aware of the difference. I drive my e-Golf in B mode and only use the brake pedal to stop the car in emergencies (rare) or to bring it to a full stop after lifting my right foot has done most of the work to bring the car to a few mph.
Even in B mode, VW says you’ll get more regen if you use the brake pedal.
@@AAutoBuyersGuideit is possible, but I have seen the power meter get pegged to the end of the green zone by lifting off in B mode and even the the max regen does is not as strong as I experienced in RWD EVs. Of course, I don’t have any quantitative measurements, but since I’ve been driving an e-Golf for 100,000 miles, I think my body is pretty well calibrated.
Lol at Alex calling 205 45R17s "tiny tires and wheels." The trend toward larger and larger wheels with skinny sidewalls is a terrible one.
How does it compare to the (no longer built) MX30 for $20k?
Seems like the Mini Cooper SE is an obvious alternative. I loved my old Fiat 500c but these models seem to have lost the magic. Interior styling doesn't grab me. I actually prefer the old compliance car 500e to this. Convertible model would change the equation though.
2025 brings us a new line of Mini EVs so I’m reserving comment until we drive those as they will be on sale in the 2024 calendar year
To sell in the USA, FIAT will need to bring a 4-door version to market.
Cute. I'd like one if it was $25K, was 1 foot longer and had four doors. I am waiting for Ford, GM, Honda, Toyota, VW, Kia, Hyundai, etc to build affordable EVs in the USA (or at least NA). My 2019 Golf wagon is the most practical and efficient vehicle I have ever had, so what I'd really like is a small EV or PHEV station wagon like you can get in Europe. The current crop of large and expensive EVs is a nearly saturated market in the US. Perhaps a new and improved Bolt will be the answer (if GM brings it back with that name.)
This is cute and easy to park, but otherwise it is the low dog on the totem pole of EVs. A new new LEAF with similar range, high reliablity, broad dealer network, and way more room for $29K is a far better deal.
When the 1st Fiat 500e in 2014, Chrysler's Chief Executive Sergio Marchionne 500e famously said to an audience at the Brookings Institute: " “I hope you don’t buy it because every time I sell one it costs me $14,000; I’m honest enough to tell you that.”
IF I recall correctly, the 1st generation sold so poorly that Fiat had to severely discount them ($10K?). I have an acquaintance in SoCa who bought one for a commute that fit in its range and it was amazingly cheap to buy and drive back then.
At this price, with this range (even though it is a big improvement over the 2014 model's 84 miles), and lack of dealer network it looks to me like this is still a money losing proposition for Fiat. ply
It looks like a good urban commute car. But I would buy the electric Mini instead.
Need to be around 30K. So with the tax credit lease you can get the 7500. Then it makes it a decent car. 34K is way too steep especially because cars like the Chevy bolt were offered for 27.5K
This is great. A two door electric is what I’m looking for. Is this and the mini cooper ev the only two-doors ev? I’ll have to see the cooper ev as well
There are many BMW i3 owners who have been looking for a similar small EV. The question is if this will be available on lease and eligible for the $7500 tax break.
$100 lease special. I would consider it. 😊
I’d much rather have a Prius personally
I'll take the $10k used one next year. Thank you.
This. It has an existing target audience but not at such ridiculously high prices. Don't forget folks: When you overpay for stuff you are part of the inflation problem. For the same price tag you have better existing options in the EV department.
That's what our 2015 was selling for last year. 😂
Do they have a thermoregulate battery ?
If yes, is it possible pre-conditioning the battery for a quick charge in a cold weather ??
It's the time for little EV...
The battery is active heated and cooled. It’s not designed to precondition because it charges so slowly it wouldn’t matter much anyway
Interesting. Thank you.
I thought a light vehicle specified this way would have much better performance. The range, power, recharge, price, size tradeoff are awful value compared to a Model 3.
Good try. But no thanks. Don't want an expensive golf cart.
Perhaps Stellantis can actually make money on these in the $12-15k range. Then it might sell as a material affordable alternative.
they should take out the back seat for a commuter car...or longer range version and add about 12kw of battery
How does this compare to the electric Mini? That seems like another "style focused" offering.
This should start at 25k tops for that poor range and slow recharge time. Then bring the Abarth in at 30k. Electric car resale values drop like a rock too, so wait a year and buy it used for 20k.
Alex.. brother, you’re getting flaco! 💪🏼
Wonder if this electric set up would fit in a Fiat Spider. Always thought it would be an awesome little electric sports coupe, maybe it will be resurrected as such.
I am also buying the Alfa Tonale. The 500 is for my wife.
My problem with FIAT (fix it again Tony) is they are not really known for their dependability.
I don’t think they’re really that bad anymore. No worse than most other manufacturers apart from Toyota/Honda.
I had 2, a 2012 500 Sport and a 2013 Abarth. The only issue I ever had was with the Abarth, and it was due to the brand of ignition coils I used when doing a tune up, it didn’t like NGK coils 🥴
Never had a check engine light, oil leak, or any other issue 🤷🏻♂️
Someone is stuck in the 80s mentality. Technology in metallurgy, auto assembly, and manufacturing has change so much tolerance and measurements are so tight. Everything is reliable these days.
Problem is the price. If this was around the old Bolt or Leaf it would be competitive.
Needs a NACS connector, rear seat delete, drop the price 10K.
I want one so bad but for me at least it is not practical. Would love to complete my FCA US line up!
Lots of videos today lol. I like it!
You’d have to have rocks in your head to buy one. This or a Miata? 😂
I could see the Fiat being better if you want to carry a third person or a kid. It also has a roomier rear hatch and not having to pay city gas prices would also be nice.
@@faeinthebay If you are going to buy an urban only EV, why not buy something much more practical? This model is being pitched as a sporty fun car, but it lacks the range to be taken out of town on Sunday morning backroad runs. It’s basically an urban only commuter and a (quite expensive) second vehicle if you also have a requirement for vehicle that can take the family out of town. So my point is, if you are going to have a proper vehicle and a toy, why not buy a proper toy? The Miata also runs on the smell of an oily rag so fuel isn’t even going to cost you much.
@@richardhoulton4016I totally agree with everything you said, except the Miata isn’t that efficient, especially for what it is. My 04 gets less than 30 on the hwy. High rpms and lots of downforce
@@garrettw99 The ND is really economical!
@@richardhoulton4016 26/34 with the manual🤷♂️
Wow it sucks there is no tax credit for it if I purchase it in the USA
But with EVs being a heavier vehicle wouldn't it be better for stopping distances to have four wheel disc brakes?
Since the rears do so little of the braking, it doesn’t actually make much difference
30 Gs?????
$22,500 in my state?
Needs to be Gen 2 Leaf cost
Waiting for BYD and a $20K city car. 😉