2018 FIAT 500e Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
byCameron Rogers
Senior News Editor
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.Pros
- Nimble handling
- Compact and easy to park
- Typically more affordable than other EVs
Cons
- Dinky cargo space and back seat
- 84 miles of range is less than most EVs
- Missing the latest driver safety aids
- Sales are limited to California and Oregon
What’s new
A rearview camera is now standard. Otherwise the 2018 Fiat 500e is unchanged from last year's model.
Vehicle overview
When it was introduced in 2013, the Fiat 500e fit right in with the electric vehicles of the time. The 500e was small, inexpensive and had a range that we called "an above-average number for an EV." But with the advent of cars such as the Chevrolet Bolt and the Tesla Model 3, the bar has been raised. Without any significant changes to its battery technology over the last five years, the 2018 Fiat 500e is no longer as competitive as it once was.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 FIAT 500e Battery Electric 2dr Hatchback (electric DD) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $0.13 per kWh for electricity and $5.23 per gallon average in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$47/mo
500e Battery Electric
vs
$233/mo
Avg. Compact Car
The 500e does offer some things that other EVs don't. It has an expressive design and excellent handling characteristics, and its short wheelbase and narrow track make it ideal for city dwellers who have trouble finding roomy parking spaces. The 500e has also been one of the most affordable EVs to lease over the past few years.
However, the 500e's diminutive stature makes for a compact cabin and cargo area, and the small battery pack only offers 84 miles of range. As an affordable runabout, it's worth considering, but know that rivals such as the Bolt, Nissan Leaf and Volkswagen e-Golf are superior EVs overall.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
The 2018 Fiat 500e is cute, stylish and stands out from the crowd. We also like its fun-to-drive nature. But its short range, small cargo capacity and limited availability might give some prospective buyers pause.
Driving
The 500e is an entertaining electric vehicle, with good moves at every turn. It's actually quicker to 60 mph than the regular Fiat 500. Driving that enthusiastically will greatly reduce range, however, so it's best to keep a light foot.
Comfort
The Fiat 500e is quiet, but its suspension delivers a busier and more unsettled ride on uneven surfaces than we'd like.
Interior
Like a regular Fiat 500, the 500e suffers from two things: form over function and, to a greater degree, a back seat that isn't terribly practical for family use. Think of it as a two-seater and you'll get along with it much better.
Utility
There isn't much room for cargo behind the rear seats if someone is sitting there. They need to be folded to get much utility. The 500e works best in the two-seat configuration.
Which 500e does Edmunds recommend?
Choosing which 2018 Fiat 500e to buy is easy because it only comes in one trim. The only options are a sunroof and the eSport package, which gives the 500e a distinctive look for a negligible extra cost.
2018 FIAT 500e models
The 2018 Fiat 500e is a two-door, pure electric hatchback sold in a single, well-equipped trim level (the gasoline-powered Fiat 500 is reviewed separately). The 500e is powered by an 83-kilowatt electric motor (111 horsepower, 147 pound-feet of torque) channeled to the front wheels through a single-speed automatic transmission. A rechargeable 24-kWh lithium-ion battery pack powers the motor. The EPA estimates the 500e can travel up to 84 miles on a full charge. Fiat claims a 24-hour charge time from empty using a typical 120-volt outlet, while a Level 2 charger will do the job in about four hours.