The Cutest Electric Car in the World
Most people understand that we are facing a climate crisis. Much of global warming comes from burning carbon–which creates CO2, which accumulates and, thanks to the greenhouse effect, keeps more of the Earth’s heat in, leading to rising temperatures, and all the consequences.
Driving an electric car is a positive response to this crisis. The Fiat 500e is one of the most affordable ones-and it’s a joy to drive.
It’s certainly the cutest electric car out there. The retro design is based on the 1957-1975 500, which served as Italy’s VW Beetle or Mini—an affordable and beloved people’s car. The updated gasoline model arrived in the U.S. in 2011 and, in 2013, the all-electric version debuted.
Fiat graciously sent me the Celeste Blue model with the black and steam (white) interior I ordered for a three-month test. When the car was delivered, I photographed it, and a rainbow came out. That was a good omen.
Driving Is Fun
The driving experience has been wonderful. With 600 extra pounds of batteries over the gas version, the 500e sits firm and stable on the road.
The old-fashioned dash panel brings a smile. Chrome circles surround the gauges and controls, and the white plastic panels emulate the original car’s painted metal surfaces.
But this is no retro ride. It’s got full climate control, loads of airbags, heated seats, a navigation system, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth and much more. The white leather steering wheel gives an upscale look and feel, like something from Coach.
The 83 kW motor puts out 111 horsepower and 147 pounds-feet of torque. It moves the nearly 3,000-pound 500e along like a mini rocket.
The standard gasoline version has more horsepower (135), but much less torque (97), so the 500e is more fun. The one-speed transmission (no shifting needed with electric motors) has a set of four push buttons on the console (Park-Reverse-Neutral-Drive).
The 500e’s 24 kWh lithium-ion battery is rated at 84 miles per charge, although with careful driving, I often charged it up to a reading of as much as 104 miles. The battery comes with an eight-year, 100,000-mile warranty.
For electrics, the EPA uses the MPGe calculation in place of MPG (no gallons). The 500e earns 121 City, 103 Highway, and 112 Combined. I averaged 138.2 MPGe driving just over 2,800 miles. The Smog and Greenhouse Gas numbers are both top-score 10s.
Going Everywhere But Far
I took my little Fiat everywhere, except on longer trips. I didn’t want to risk running out of charge. It easily handled my 18-mile-each-way commute every day and went on a variety of errands around town.
Thanks to the folding rear seats and hatchback, I carried my upright bass to orchestra rehearsals and concerts. I schlepped blues band gear to shows. I hauled loads of groceries.
I did most of my charging at work, on a nice set of six ChargePoint units. I plugged in when I arrived, and by late morning, the ChargePoint charger sent me a text that the battery was full. I went down and unplugged, so another EV driver could charge up.
We have an informal community of EV drivers at work, and people are excited about their cars and want to talk about them.
Charging at 240 volts (Level 2) at work takes only a few hours. At home, at 120 volts (Level 1), it takes overnight and then some. If you own an EV, you should look into installing your own Level 2 charger.
Quiet Bliss
Driving is blissfully silent, with minimal road or wind noise, which means great music listening.
The simple instrument panel features a center round gauge that prominently displays digital speed and range. On the left, there’s a graphical and numerical display of battery charge. On the right, you can monitor driving behavior with colors on a curved bar. Eco—green—is normal driving. Power—red—is when you’re accelerating hard for passing or entering the freeway. Charge—blue—indicates regenerative braking, which helps recharge the battery without plugging in.
My daily charge at work cost about $2 to $2.50. Electricity would be cheaper at night at home. The window sticker states that the estimated annual fuel cost is $600, a $6,000 savings over the average car. And maintenance costs are very low for EVs, with no oil changes and fewer moving parts to break.
My car retailed at $33,190. However, most of these cars are leased, and some amazing deals are available. Federal and state rebates help make it affordable. Gas-powered 500s start at just $18,490.
I fell for my baby blue Fiat 500e, and named him Fidelio. I’ll truly miss having him around. He was totally charming, relaxing to commute in, and handled all my normal driving needs. And for longer trips, we just took the family car.
Related Stories You Might Enjoy:
Road Test: 2016 Fiat 500e
Road Test: 2015 Fiat 500 Abarth Cabrio
Road Test: 2015 Fiat 500 Lounge 1957 Edition
Disclosure:
Clean Fleet Report is loaned free test vehicles from automakers to evaluate, typically for a week at a time. Our road tests are based on this one-week drive of a new vehicle. Because of this we don’t address issues such as long-term reliability or total cost of ownership. In addition we are often invited to manufacturer events highlighting new vehicles or technology. As part of these events we may be offered free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our best to present our unvarnished evaluations of vehicles and news irrespective of these inducements.
Our focus is on vehicles that offer the best fuel economy in their class. We also feature those that are among the top mpg vehicles in their class. In addition, we aim to offer reviews and news on advanced technology and the alternative fuel vehicle market. We welcome any feedback from vehicle owners and are dedicated to providing a forum for alternative viewpoints. Please let us know your views at publisher@cleanfleetreport.com.
The color is just so sweet!