2024 Fiat 500e: Electrifying Value Arrives in the U.S. Auto Scene

Will Start Around The $32,500 USD Mark...

Robert S. Miller December 6, 2023

Fiat’s highly anticipated 2024 500e electric city car is set to make a compelling entrance into the U.S. automotive landscape. Revealed at the 2022 LA Auto Show, this eagerly awaited model is scheduled to hit North American markets early in 2024. The 500e has garnered widespread acclaim across Europe, signaling a promising reception upon its arrival in the States.

For Fiat, a brand navigating a challenging period since 2020, characterized by a dwindling North American portfolio, the upcoming 500e is a beacon of hope. As the sole vehicle representing the brand in North America, the departure of the 500X after 2024 emphasizes the importance of the 500e’s arrival.

Interestingly, the North American market witnessed the exclusive debut of the first-generation 500e, a vehicle pivotal in Chrysler Group’s compliance with California Air Resources Board (CARB) emission standards. The initial iteration delivered an emission-free driving experience via a 118 horsepower (83 kW) permanent-magnet, a three-phase synchronous-drive electric motor coupled with a 24 kWh liquid-cooled/heated lithium battery. However, its limited range of 80 miles (130 kilometers) or approximately 100 miles (160 kilometers) in urban settings underscored its early challenges.

The revamped 500e poised for the American market promises affordability, addressing one of the key barriers to EV adoption. The 500e will have a U.S. Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $32,500 (not including a $1,595 destination) and a Canadian MSRP of $39,995, not including a $2,095 destination. The 500e will arrive in U.S. showrooms in early 2024 and be available for Canadians in early 2024 at dealerships in Quebec and British Columbia.

Competing in the burgeoning entry-level EV segment, the more premium 500e stands ready to challenge vehicles like the $28,140 Nissan Leaf, the $26,500 Chevrolet Bolt, the $27,850 Bolt EUV, and the $30,900 Mini Cooper SE.

The forthcoming 500e boasts a remarkable 199-mile (320-kilometer) range based on the European WLTP cycle, excelling with 249 miles (400 kilometers) of city driving capability. Its powertrain comprises 118 horsepower and 162 lb.-ft. of torque electric motor fed by a 42 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

Performance-wise, the new 500e accelerates from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) in 8.5 seconds. The 500e handily tackles the common concern of charge time using the equipped 85-kW fast charger system in which five minutes of charge time translates to a range of up to 31 miles (50 kilometers), more than what’s needed for average daily use. The 500e also includes an 11-kW AC-DC on-board charger and a combo 1 socket for easy charging at home or on the road, which can be scheduled ahead of time through Uconnect or the Uconnect mobile app. The estimated charge time from 0% to 80% is approximately 35 minutes with an 85-kW DC fast charge; the estimated time from 0% to 100% is four hours and 15 minutes with a Level 2 (11-kW) charging station.

With its enhanced range, competitive pricing, and rapid-charging capabilities, the 2024 Fiat 500e electric city car is primed to capture the attention of the American EV market, heralding an exciting era in affordable and efficient electric mobility.