Fiat 500 electric review

Much like the similarly retro-styled MINI, the Fiat 500 was reinvented for the 21st century when the first modern reincarnation of the small Italian car was launched back in 2007. Now, the latest generation of Fiat’s iconic city-car is available exclusively with electric power, however, a mild hybrid version of the previous generation remains on sale.

The new electric 500 aims to undercut its rivals like the MINI Electric and Honda e in several ways. But the key to the new Fiat 500’s appeal is its price tag: just over £20,000, after the plug-in car grant (PiCG) has been taken into account.

For that, you get a small 24kWh battery, 115-mile range and a 92bhp electric motor that provides enough power to make the entry-level electric 500 just as nippy as its petrol-powered predecessor. But, if you’ve got a bit more money to spend, there are bigger batteries and plusher specs on offer, plus you can even order one with a folding fabric roof. These higher spec models not only get a bump in power to 116bhp, they also come with a larger battery for an impressive near-200-mile range – a much higher figure than either of its rivals from Honda or MINI can muster up.

But Fiat hasn’t simply stuck an electric motor into its dinky city-car and called it a day. The all-electric 500 is actually about 60mm longer and wider than the old car, and up front, there's an elegant line splitting the headlights in two. The switch to electric power also allows a nod to the classic 500's smooth front end, as the rear-engined original didn't need a grille at the front either.

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The elegant design continues inside, with a slim two-spoke steering wheel, a circular instrument pod containing a hi-res seven-inch digital display that is fitted to all models as standard. However, while well-equipped models get a seven-inch, or even 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen in the centre of the dash, entry-level versions get a smartphone cradle so you need to use your own device for music and navigation. These models also don’t come with a reversing camera, but given the excellent visibility in the electric 500 and its ultra-compact proportions, it’s not missed here.

Thankfully, the third-generation 500 also has more space up front than its predecessor, thanks to being wider and offering more headroom. Good news for front-seat occupants, then, but it's still a tight squeeze for anyone bigger than a toddler in the back, and the boot remains very small, at just 185 litres. However, the 500’s steering is still light, and with that superb visibility, it remains an excellent city car.

Its electric motor produces 220Nm of torque, all of which is available in an instant. The regenerative braking system is fairly aggressive in Range mode, but if you switch to Normal mode the car will coast more – ideal for those who haven’t driven an electric car before. Once you get used to it, though, you’ll be able to enjoy one-pedal driving in the 500 around town like in the MINI or Honda e.

The 500's ride does become slightly busy at low speeds when you encounter potholes and bumps, but it’s still fun to drive, with its low centre of gravity thanks to its battery providing good stability. You also get rapid charging capabilities as standard, which is a welcome bonus if you go for the 115-mile range version and need to cover longer distances at times.

The Fiat 500 is one of the most exciting and accomplished electric cars available right now. As a runabout for those based in the city, or as a second vehicle for a suburban family, the 500 electric comes close to ticking all the boxes. For a more detailed look at the car, read on for the rest of our in-depth review…