New Fiat 500 Electric - Should You Buy One in 2022?

At last, an all-new third generation Fiat 500. And contrary to appearances, everything is different. This is the very first all-electric car from the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles FCA conglomerate, a model to be marketed as 'New 500' and sold alongside the existing petrol hybrid model, which continues for the foreseeable future. This latest car is fractionally bigger than that old second generation model, but continues to be offered in 3-door hatch and convertible body styles. Unlike some stylised direct EV segment rivals, there's a proper driving range of nearly 200 miles with the volume 42kWh version.

Market and Model

So how much is Fiat's latest EV technology going to cost you? Well, as you'd expect, a fair bit more than you'd pay for the continuing mild hybrid petrol combustion 500 model, which at the time of our test in late Summer 2021 retailed from around £13,500 in hatchback form. From launch, a hatchback New 500 EV was pitched from just over £20,000 after deduction of the usual £2,500 government Plug-in car Grant - but that only gets you the base 'Action'-specced variant featuring a smaller 24kWh battery with a lesser 115 mile driving range - a derivative only offered in hatchback form and one that few customers for this car will want.

The 42kWh battery model we tried with its 186 to 199 mile range is the version you'll probably be looking at - and that costs quite a bit more again. The spec level nearly everyone chooses with this car is 'Icon' trim, a variant which comes with grant-deducted figures of around £26,000 for the hatchback version - or just under £29,000 if you want this Fiat as a Convertible, with a fabric-folding sunroof-style top. If you can afford more, the brand also offers an even better-equipped 'La Prima' variant - costing £2,000 extra in either case.

Across the 42kWh model range, you get the brand's latest 'U connect 5' 10.25-inch centre-dash infotainment screen, which is fully connected and based on the Android operating system. It includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone-mirroring. The 'La Prima'-spec model comes with a panoramic glass roof, full-LED headlights, 17-inch diamond-cut wheels and chrome-plated side panel inserts. It will be offered with three exclusive paint shades. Inside, there's eco-leather upholstery for the dashboard and the seats.

Cost of Ownership

In volume 42kWh form, the new 500 features an 85kW DC rapid charging system that can recharge the battery from empty to 80% capacity in just 35 minutes and can provide the car with 31 miles of driving range in just 5 minutes. Buyers can also get a Fiat-branded wall charging box that offers 3kW charging and apparently doesn't need to be professionally installed. This wallbox can be upgraded to allow for 7.4kW charging at home. That 7.4kW wall box allows you to fully charge this electric 500 in just over 6 hours. The car also comes with a mode 3 cable for charging at up to 11kW from a public charging point. It can be charged via AC or DC power points.

Summary

In the past, Fiat 500 buyers have shown a desire to spend plenty on cars from this model line - which is just as well because they'll have to spend plenty to enter the era of 'New 500'. Looking at the list figures, you can see why it was so vital that the old model should continue as a more affordable option - a stepping stone to this new design

So is this new EV-era 500 worth aspiring to? We think many loyal (mainly female) buyers will think so. It's just as stylish as its MINI Electric and Honda e rivals and set a new high bar in terms of driving range for a tiny EV that embarrasses both of them. Which goes some way to justifying a high price that hopefully will become more accessible as the range broadens. This is no longer the cheap Peoples' Car it once was. But without doubt, it retains the spirit of the original.

**CAR REVIEW PLAYLISTS**

**FOLLOW OSV ON**

#Fiat500Electric #ElectricCar #ShouldYouBuyOne

[OsvUkVehicleSupply]

So...thinking about getting a Fiat 500 Electric?

[pomerau]

The ultimate car review channel, as always. Now short or long views.

Can I raise here something all review sites do (so not directed here) and probably covered a million times (get on with it - me)

Charging time to 80% is all well and good, and I understand battery speed drops off from there - but if I buy a car with a maximum nominal range of 200 miles then I would want that battery fully charged as often as possible. On a trip, sure - another quick top up to 80% will get you home and more -
but I would like to see both figures quoted as a matter of course, over different charging speeds - especially for those without home charging.
(shutting up now!)

[wolvoman]

Couldn't help but notice the bad driving discipline when turning into junctions on the wrong side of the road.

[pereldh]

Shame Fiat has stopped making small GREAT cars & now only a small CUTE car, this 500.. Uno, Punto etc, and they were huge hits as well. But no!

[oddities-whatnot]

As regards turning circle, the Abarth version is hopeless in that respect. Im sure there is a reason for it. I still think a hybrid would be my next car. Im not convinced at all by EVs yet, simply because its far too early in the development stages. Ancient lithium ion batteries being one of the problems.

[rexgeorg]

Too Expensive .. nice review

The Chinese are knocking out better cars for less than £ 5 K with gov help