The 2024 Fiat 500e represents a significant step forward in the evolution of one of the most iconic small cars ever made. Originally conceived as an electric adaptation of the beloved Fiat 500, the first generation of the 500e was produced from 2013 to 2019.
Initially sold in California in 2013 and then in Oregon in 2014, the 500e was a response to California's stringent emissions regulations, requiring automakers to include a certain percentage of electric vehicles in their fleets. Fiat delivered with a car that was both fun to drive and remarkably efficient, featuring sporty handling, aerodynamic improvements, and a premium interior complete with a TomTom navigation system.
Fast forward to 2020, Fiat announced a second-generation 500e, which hit the European market as the New Fiat 500 and was later marketed as the 500e. This version, manufactured in Turin, was sold alongside its conventionally-powered sibling and brought a host of updates, including a go-kart-like size and tight handling that made it a joy to drive in city environments. With a range of up to 199 miles between charges in European testing, it became a popular choice for urban dwellers. The car even introduced a Sherpa mode, which reduces power to help drivers avoid getting stranded.
Early in 2024, Fiat announced that this second-generation 500e would finally be available in North America, offering American drivers a taste of this European gem. As someone who loves a good city car, I was excited to get behind the wheel and see how it stacks up, especially for someone like me who’s 6'3" and often finds compact cars a tight fit.
I was really skeptical about the level of comfort I could get in this spicy little car, but I was A-ok, good to go! For small cars like the Fiat 500e, accommodating tall or large individuals is crucial to expanding their appeal beyond just city dwellers and compact car enthusiasts. From a design and engineering standpoint, manufacturers achieve this by maximizing the interior space within the car's compact footprint.
Exterior Design
The 2024 Fiat 500e continues the legacy of its predecessors with a design that effortlessly blends retro charm with modern flair. It’s slightly larger than the original 500e, which gives it a more planted stance on the road, but it retains the classic curvy lines and round headlights that made the 500 iconic. The updated LED lighting front and rear adds a contemporary touch, while the flush electronic door handles enhance its sleek profile. Available in a variety of bold colors, this car is designed to stand out on the streets of Miami or Ft. Lauderdale. The car’s compact dimensions make it perfect for city driving, allowing you to slip into tight parking spaces with ease. The subtle increase in wheelbase and length provides a bit more interior space, which is always welcome, especially when you’re as tall as I am. Despite its compact size, the 500e has a presence that commands attention, making it a great choice for those who want to make a stylish statement on the road.
Interior Design & Function
The interior of the 2024 Fiat 500e is where the car truly shines. Fiat has done an excellent job of blending the retro aesthetic of the original 500 with modern technology and comfort. The dashboard features the signature rounded gauge cluster and a two-spoke steering wheel that harkens back to the 1957 Cinquecento, but the tech is all modern. The 10.3-inch center display runs Stellantis’s latest Uconnect 5 software, which is intuitive, responsive, and packed with features. You’ve got everything you need at your fingertips, including navigation, media controls, and vehicle settings.
One of the most surprising aspects of the 500e’s interior is how comfortable it is, even for someone of my height. The extra shoulder room is a welcome addition, and I didn’t feel cramped behind the wheel. The seats are supportive and nicely upholstered, making them comfortable for longer drives. However, the back seat is where the car shows its compact nature. It’s fine for short trips with friends, but I wouldn’t recommend it for long journeys, especially if your passengers are adults.
Getting tall or big people in a small car takes innovation. This often involves smart packaging solutions, such as lower seating positions, thinner seatbacks, and extended headroom, which help create a more spacious cabin without enlarging the vehicle's exterior dimensions. Adjustability is another key factor, with features like telescoping steering wheels and height-adjustable seats allowing drivers of varying sizes to find a comfortable position. In the 500e, these design choices come together to offer a surprisingly roomy driving experience for a small car, making it accessible even to taller folks like myself at 6'3". I can confidently say that I’d invite my fellow ballers to hop in—there’s enough space up front to keep us all comfortable, even if the backseat might be a bit of a squeeze for some.
The cargo space is limited but sufficient for daily errands—just don’t expect to haul large loads. It’s a city car through and through, designed for zipping around town rather than road trips.
Cool Tech
The 2024 Fiat 500e is cleverly packed with technology that enhances both convenience and safety. Its easy to learn and easily within reach.
From LED headlights to automatic climate control, keyless entry, wireless device charging, and rain-sensing wipers, this car is loaded with features that make city driving a breeze.
The 7.0-inch digital gauge cluster is a nice touch, providing all the information you need at a glance, and the dedicated wireless-charging nook is a thoughtful addition that keeps your devices powered without the hassle of cords.
There’s also plenty of storage throughout the cabin, including a handy center console that can hold a small tablet or other essentials. The Sherpa mode is particularly interesting—it’s designed to help you conserve battery life by reducing power output, which is great for avoiding those dreaded moments when you’re far from a charging station with only a few miles of range left.
The Drive, Power, and Battery
Driving the 2024 Fiat 500e is an experience that’s both engaging and comfortable, perfect for city streets. Powered by a single permanent-magnet electric motor, it delivers 117 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. While it’s not the fastest car out there, with a 0-60 mph time of around 8.5 seconds, it’s more than adequate for urban driving. The car feels zippy and responsive, making it easy to dart through traffic or zip around corners. The tight handling and compact size make it particularly fun to drive in the city, where space is often at a premium.
The 37.0 kWh lithium-ion battery provides an EPA-rated range of 141 miles, which is sufficient for daily commutes and short trips around town. While it falls short of the 199-mile range achieved in European testing, it’s still a respectable range for a car of this size. Charging is straightforward—on a Level 2 charger, it takes about six hours to go from empty to 100%, and you can get up to 80% in just 35 minutes on a DC fast charger. Just keep in mind that the charging rate tends to slow down as the battery fills up.
The 2024 Fiat 500e is a stylish, fun-to-drive electric car that’s perfect for city living. It carries the legacy of its predecessors with pride, offering a blend of retro charm and modern technology that’s hard to resist. While it’s not the best choice for long road trips or for carrying a lot of passengers, it excels in its intended environment—urban settings where parking is tight and effi
ciency is key. The fact that Fiat has brought the 500e to North America in 2024 is a testament to its enduring appeal and relevance in today’s market. If you’re looking for a second car that’s eco-friendly, stylish, and packed with features, the 500e is definitely worth considering. And for someone like me, who’s tall and often struggles with compact cars, the 500e was a pleasant surprise in terms of comfort and space. It’s a small car with a big personality, and I could see it fitting perfectly into the lifestyle of anyone who values style, convenience, and sustainability.
Comments