Review: 2024 Fiat 500e urban EV has its charm

The 2024 Fiat 500e is a small electric three-door hatchback that looks remarkably similar to the previous Fiat 500, sold in the U.S. from the 2012 through 2019 model years. This one’s offered only as a battery-electric vehicle (hence the “e”), at least for the moment. But Fiat plans to market it as a fashion accessory as much as a small practical, short-range EV.

We drove the 500e through Miami traffic for three hours last week, giving us a chance to sample one of its strong points: quick cut-and-thrust urban driving. While it has nowhere near the rocket-ship acceleration offered by some EVs, it’s peppy enough—and small enough to sneak into spaces even compact SUVs can’t manage.

Sadly, we weren’t able to test whether the new 500e retains the entertaining and delightful handling of its predecessor, the 2013-2019 500e, which was sold only in California and Oregon. Miami is entirely flat and remarkably congested. We got exactly one big sweeping turn on a ramp over a freeway; it did fine. But until we get it into some proper hills and twisties, we can’t fully review its driving behavior.

Overall, the 500e is a fun little EV at a reasonable price: The ‘Red’ base model starts at $34,095. Its EPA-rated range of 149 miles may put off some shoppers who should consider it more seriously. Given its small size and its range, Fiat execs are realistic when they say the new 500e “didn’t come to be a sales leader”—meaning it may be rare in some regions of the country. Instead, the car will “test and learn what Fiat wants to be in the U.S.”

2024 Fiat 500e

Instantly, obviously a Fiat 500

The new 2024 Fiat 500e is instantly, identifiably a Fiat 500. Slightly larger than the previous generation—2.4 inches longer, 2.2 inches wider—it shares the same upright-coupe profile and short, stubby nose. The front end has the same “moustache” shape, though the round headlights are actually a semi-circle in the front panel with a lit arc cut into the hood to finish the shape. Larger wheels with fairly low-profile tires, now 17 inches vs the previous model’s 15 inches, keep the little Fiat proportional but add more of an adult feel.

Inside, the interior is largely