Fiat 500e Wins 2025 Urban Green Car of the Year

For the second year in a row, Green Car Journal has recognized the Fiat 500e as the 2025 Urban Green Car of the Year. Despite this accolade, the Fiat 500e has recently faced sales challenges in the United States and Europe, leading to some significant adjustments for the model. In the U.S., the 500e is among the top 10 slowest-selling vehicles, while in Europe, production of the electric city car has been paused since the summer, with plans to resume in November.

The Fiat 500e’s recognition by Green Car Journal highlights its appeal as a city-friendly electric vehicle (EV). According to the publication, the 500e’s compact size, stylish design, and zero-emission capabilities make it a standout in urban environments. Ron Cogan, Editor and Publisher of Green Car Journal, praised the vehicle, saying, “This fun-to-drive electric car’s right-size form makes it easy to negotiate crowded urban life, while zero emissions driving means doing so with a light environmental touch. A fashionably Italian vibe is a welcome bonus.”

However, the Fiat 500e’s popularity has not translated to strong sales recently. In the U.S., the 500e’s relatively low demand has placed it among the slowest-moving models in the market. Meanwhile, Stellantis paused production in Europe over the summer due to supply chain and market adjustments. Production is set to restart in November, but with a notable change—Stellantis is investing $110 million to adapt the 500e to include a hybrid powertrain. This strategic move aims to offer a broader range of powertrain options to match consumer preferences better.

Despite the sales hurdles, the Fiat 500e remains a key part of Stellantis’ electrification strategy in North America. It is equipped with a 42-kWh lithium-ion battery that provides an estimated combined range of 149 miles (240 kilometers) and up to 162 miles in city driving conditions. The vehicle is also known for being lightweight, tipping the scales at under 3,000 pounds, making it the lightest passenger BEV in its segment. Additionally, it is larger and more spacious than previous iterations of the iconic Cinquecento, which has sold over 6 million units globally since its debut in 1957.

Aamir Ahmed, head of FIAT North America, emphasized the car’s alignment with the needs of modern drivers: “The Fiat 500e is affordable, fun, and stylish, continuing FIAT’s legacy of democratizing transportation that began when the brand was incepted 125 years ago. Winning back-to-back titles as Urban Green Car of the Year from Green Car Journal is a testament to how well the Fiat 500e nails its intended function as the ultimate electric city car.”

The 2024 Fiat 500e is currently priced at $32,500, with potential lessees benefitting from a $7,500 federal EV tax credit in the U.S. The vehicle comes with standard features like wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto™, and built-in Alexa, making it a tech-friendly option for urban drivers. Buyers also have the choice between a Level 2 charger or $600 in Free2move Charge credits, aimed at easing the transition to electric driving.

Stellantis has teased further developments for the Fiat 500e, set to be revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 21, 2024.