The iconic Fiat 500 city car is now all-electric in its latest incarnation – and better than its petrol predecessor in every way
The Fiat 500 was reinvented for the 21st century when the first modern version of the small Italian car was launched in 2007, as was the old-fashioned MINI. The Fiat 500 electric aims to undercut competitors such as the MINI Electric and Honda e in several ways. But the key to the new Fiat 500 electric’s appeal is its cheap price tag: just over £20,000.
The Fiat 500 electric gets a small 24-kWh battery, 115-mile range and a 92-horsepower electric motor. But if you have more to spend, there are larger batteries and more specs on offer, as well as a retractable fabric convertible roof.
The 2022 Fiat 500 electric is one of the most exciting and accomplished electric cars available today. For speedy city tours, or as a second vehicle for a suburban family. And for a more detailed look at the car, read on for the rest of our in-depth review…
The exterior design of the 2022 Fiat 500 electric car
The Fiat 500 electric is 60 mm longer than the old car, and at the front there is an elegant line that divides the headlights into two parts. There is no grille and the original rear engine model didn’t need a front grille either.
Interior cab design of the Fiat 500 electric 2022
The elegant design continues inside, with a slim, two-spoke steering wheel, and a circular dashboard that houses a 7-inch high-resolution digital screen and is standard on all models. Well-equipped models get a 7-inch screen, or even a 10.25-inch screen in the center of the dashboard. Lower-level cars need to use your own device for music and navigation. This version also does not come with a reversing camera, given the excellent all-round visibility and ultra-compact dimensions of the small Fiat.
The third generation of the Fiat 500 has more space in the front than its predecessor, thanks to its spaciousness, and more headroom for front seat passengers, while the back is narrow for anyone older than a small child in the back, and the luggage compartment is very small, at only 185 liters. The Fiat 500’s steering is still light, and with that great vision, the Fiat 500 electric remains an excellent city car.
The engine of the 2022 Fiat 500 electric car
Its electric motor produces 220 Nm of torque. As for the thrust, it reaches 116 horsepower, and the regenerative braking system is somewhat aggressive in “range mode” and it maintains the largest possible range, but you can switch to “normal mode” but the range will be reduced further, and once you get used to it, You will be able to enjoy single pedal driving in the Fiat 500 electric 2022 around town as in a MINI or Honda e.
Battery options for the 2022 Fiat 500 Electric
Fiat offers two batteries for the 2022 Fiat 500 electric . The small one for the base model is 24 kWh, we haven’t had a chance to test this model, and it probably has an actual range of less than 100 miles realistically. Note that this version has a maximum charging speed of 50 kW. As for the larger battery, it charges 85 kW.
The second battery has a capacity of 42 kWh, so the largest model in the electric Fiat 500 outperforms both the Honda-e and Mini Electric in the driving range. Although, the 2022 Fiat 500 electric is one of the cheapest electric cars you can buy.
The range or electric range of the 2022 Fiat 500 Electric
We recommend upgrading to the mid-range models for the larger 42 kWh battery. They can usually travel between 186 and 199 miles, depending on the official test. While the standard equipment on the higher models makes the Fiat 500 a more enjoyable car.
Eschew the base model and you’ll benefit from a 42kWh battery, plus fast charging. Fiat says higher grades get between 186 and 199 miles depending on spec and wheel size, although our experience suggests 150 to 160 miles is more achievable. realistic.
Charging for the 2022 Fiat 500 electric car
The 2022 Fiat 500 electric comes with a Level 2 charging cable, easy to charge at home overnight.Fiat doesn’t publish charging times for the most popular 7kW wallbox, but says those with faster 11kW electricity can recharge it. All in four hours and 15 minutes. Since a three-pin plug takes just over 15 hours to do the job, we can assume that a 7kW charger can do the same job in eight or nine hours.
The 2022 Fiat 500 electric also comes with a fast charging capacity of at least 50 kW, the same charging speed as the Mini Electric. The base model with its smaller battery will recharge from 10-80% (about 90 miles) in 30 minutes. The larger battery model with the fast charger needs to charge from 10-80% (about 160 miles) in 35 minutes.
Driving impressions and performance of the electric Fiat 500
The 2022 Fiat 500 electric gets a little rough at low speeds when you hit potholes and bumps, but it’s still fun to drive, with a low center of gravity thanks to its battery providing good stability. It’s easy to drive, fast and comfortable, and it’s more adept at hitting the highway than you might imagine, too.
The old petrol car was always fun, but it was flawed in many ways, the main one being the high driving position. In the electric version, the driver’s seat is now lower, to give you a lot of comfort, in fact; I liked the Fiat 500’s electric agility, and – even in normal driving mode – the car delivers more than enough performance for everyday driving.
This car is definitely at its best around town, the light steering is very easy to drive. Maybe it’s not quite as suited to the highways, but it does feel stable – even at high speed on the motorway.
The speed of the 2022 Fiat 500 electric car
Whichever model of the electric Fiat 500 you choose, the car accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in about nine seconds, it’s not quite as fast as the MINI Electric or the Honda e.
There’s always enough power when overtaking other cars on the road, and around town you never feel a lack of traction, even on the open road or highway.
Stability and maneuverability of the 2022 Fiat 500 electric car
Let’s put things in perspective, the electric Fiat 500 isn’t as powerful to drive as the Honda e or MINI Electric. But the trade-off is a ride that offers more of a level of comfort missing from its main competitors.
The electric Fiat 500 has great handling, although the steering is light and doesn’t provide much feel. And the strength under your right foot is enough to put a smile on your face, too. It is not a slow car.
Ride comfort is also good. Fiat has managed to strike a good balance between ride and performance, and the car handles all bumps smoothly. The inclination of the chassis can be seen a little, but it is less than it is in Renault Zoe, for example.
Noise and vibration in the 2022 Fiat 500 electric car
Comfort and style are good, with a set of plush front seats and a ride that isolates road noise being its best feature. And we warn you, the convertible version doesn’t offer the same sound isolation from outside noise, as you’ll notice a lot of wind noise and even pedestrians.
Cabin quality of the 2022 Fiat 500 electric car
The mid-range Fiat 500 electric cars come with a good list of standard equipment, and while there are some cheap materials in some areas, the hatchback overall feels well-built. The Fiat 500 electric car does a good job of keeping up with the competition. The Honda e is undeniably more futuristic than it is, while the MINI Electric is perhaps a bit rougher to the touch. However, what Fiat lacks in technology, it makes up for in sleek design.
All models feature the same design, the difference is the 7-inch HD digital screen. which the basic model was deprived of, and there are screen options between 7 or 10.25 inches that you will find in the high-spec models.
The dashboard of the 2022 Fiat 500 electric car
It may not be as digital as the Honda e, but it surpasses the MINI Electric in terms of visual appeal. The quality is also a bit patchy in places, with the hard plastic on the center console contrasting with the nice leather on the steering wheel.
We have reservations about the power door switches too, they feel superfluous, adding an extra complication to a small car when a conventional door pull would be appropriate. Fortunately, there is a handy emergency lever in case the system fails.
Information and navigation systems for the 2022 Fiat 500 electric car
The infotainment system is more advanced than the systems we’ve seen in Fiat cars before, the interface is fairly smooth even though it has a lot of functions. And in the higher categories of Passion, you get Google Play and Android Play, so you can use your phone’s maps and music apps, in addition to any other audio features.
Every version of the 500 electric car gets a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, and the cheaper model has a smartphone holder in place of the center display. There is an option for a massive 10.25-inch center display, which is not available on the Passion and is found on the Icon.
The spaciousness and spaciousness of the 2022 Fiat 500 electric car
Poor practicality is the Fiat 500’s biggest downfall, due to its cramped rear seats and small trunk, whichever model you choose, and we have some complaints about sitting in the back. Access to the rear seats is difficult, and it is difficult to open the wide doors in tight spaces.
Fiat has announced an additional 3 + 1 version of the electric Fiat 500, with a small rear-hinged tailgate on one side for easy access to the rear seats. This version is for left-hand drive markets only.
Storage and comfort in the 2022 Fiat 500 electric car
Trunk space in the Fiat 500 is very poor. The hatchback’s luggage compartment has a small loading space of 185 litres, smaller than the MINI Electric. However, like the MINI Fiat, as long as you avoid the base model, you’ll find the rear seats split down the middle, making it easier to carry bulky items.
There is some storage under the floor, which allows you to store car charging cables or some tools.
Operating expenses for the 2022 Fiat 500 electric car
Low prices and zero tailpipe emissions make the electric Fiat 500 an incredibly cheap car, and its low-price-list feature will draw you in. In some countries, you’ll save thousands of pounds on car tax, while being able to charge at home overnight won’t raise electricity bills much while fuel bills are dropping rapidly.
Maintenance and warranty costs for the 2022 Fiat 500 electric car
The electric Fiat 500, like most models in the manufacturer’s range, comes with a three-year/unlimited-mileage warranty. Fiat also covers the battery warranty for eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.
The service intervals for the electric Fiat 500 haven’t been revealed yet, although we’d naturally expect it to require less maintenance than the petrol model, as it has fewer moving parts. The Fiat 500 electric car is also covered by a comprehensive warranty.
Equipment, options and luxuries
The lower-class city car is equipped with an array of gadgets, including halogen headlights instead of LED lights, parking sensors instead of a reversing camera, acceptance of smartphone systems without a screen, and air conditioning instead of climate control. And these lesser models come with a smaller battery.
All electric Fiat models accept a 50 kW fast charger, and each car comes with a charging cable at public charging points. And when you upgrade to the Passion model, you get DAB Radio, Apple Play and Android Auto, plus cruise control, climate control, and fold-down rear seats. You’ll be able to charge at 85kW as well, making this version the best of the bunch.
The Icon model gets you a stunning 10.25-inch screen, 16-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, automatic wipers and traffic light information. The La Prima is at the top of the range. It costs between £27,000 or £30,000 for the convertible, with luxury features such as wireless smartphone charging, panoramic roof, parking camera, LED headlights and 17-inch alloy wheels. There are also additional driver aids and semi-autonomous technology features.
Problems and Reliability of the 2022 Fiat 500 Electric Car
It seems unfair to judge the Electric 500’s reliability before any hard data is available. This is the brand’s first purely electric model, which means much of the technology is new – with little factual commentary about its long-term reliability yet.
Historically, Fiat hasn’t had the strongest reputation for reliability, and the manufacturer placed 26th in the 2021 Driver Power survey – down from 23rd place the year before.
Electric cars in general tend to be more reliable than petrol or diesel cars, largely due to their lower complexity and fewer moving parts. For this reason, we expect the 500 electric car to be a very reliable small car.
Safety and security specifications for the Fiat 500 electric car
The electric Fiat 500 was tested by Euro NCAP in December 2021 and received a rating of four stars out of a maximum of five. Individual scores for adult and child occupant protection were 76% and 80%, respectively, while safety assistance technology was rated at 67%. Every Fiat 500 comes with automatic emergency braking, while higher-spec models get adaptive cruise control, as well as lane centering and traffic jam assist.
Pros and features
- Driving pleasure
- Realistic range is good
- Mid-range models at a good value
Disadvantages and disadvantages
- Unfinished interior quality
- Noise isolation is not good in the convertible category
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