2017 FIAT 500e Overview
The 2017 FIAT 500e stands out as a stylish and fun-to-drive all-electric city car, perfect for navigating urban environments with a touch of Italian flair. Building on the iconic design of the gasoline-powered Fiat 500, the 500e offers a zero-emission driving experience without sacrificing its distinctive character.
Highlights
- Electric Powertrain: The heart of the 2017 500e is its electric motor, delivering instant torque and a smooth, quiet ride. It boasts a 111-horsepower electric motor paired with a 24 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This setup provides zippy acceleration for city driving and a responsive feel.
- Safety Features: Fiat equipped the 2017 500e with a suite of safety features designed to protect occupants:
- Antilock Braking System (ABS): Prevents wheel lock-up during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC): Helps prevent skids and loss of traction by automatically applying brakes to individual wheels and reducing engine power when necessary.
- Front and Side Airbags: Standard front airbags for driver and passenger, along with front-seat mounted side airbags, offer crucial impact protection.
- Knee Airbags: A driver's knee airbag is included for enhanced lower-body protection.
- Traction Control: Works in conjunction with ESC to limit wheel spin during acceleration, improving stability.
- Trim Summary: The 2017 FIAT 500e was primarily offered in two main trims, each building upon the previous one:
- FIAT 500e POP: The entry-level trim, offering the core electric powertrain, essential safety features, and a stylish exterior. It still managed to provide a good level of standard equipment for a city car.
- FIAT 500e LOUNGE: This higher trim level added more premium amenities, enhancing the interior comfort and convenience. Expect features like upgraded upholstery, a better sound system, and potentially more advanced infotainment options.
- Notable Aspects:
- Regenerative Braking: The 500e utilizes regenerative braking, which captures energy normally lost during deceleration and converts it back into electricity to recharge the battery, thereby increasing efficiency.
- Distinctive Styling: The 500e retains the beloved retro-modern styling of the gasoline 500, featuring its iconic rounded shape, circular headlights, and compact footprint. This unique design sets it apart from many other electric vehicles.
- Agile Handling: Its small size and tight turning radius make the 500e incredibly agile and easy to maneuver in crowded city streets and tight parking spaces.
What to Expect
When owning a 2017 FIAT 500e, expect a generally enjoyable and straightforward ownership experience, particularly for city dwellers.
- Driving Experience: The 500e is designed for urban commuting. The instant torque from the electric motor makes it feel quick off the line, and its compact size makes parking a breeze. The ride is generally comfortable for its class, though it can be a bit firm on rougher roads.
- Charging: The 500e can be charged at home using a standard household outlet (Level 1 charging), which is the slowest method, or more efficiently with a dedicated 240V charger (Level 2 charging). Public charging stations are also an option. The typical charging time for a full charge on a Level 2 charger is around 4 hours.
- Maintenance: As an electric vehicle, the 500e requires significantly less maintenance than a traditional gasoline car. There are no oil changes, exhaust systems, or complex internal combustion engine components to worry about. Routine maintenance typically involves checking brakes, tires, and cabin air filters. Battery health is a primary concern for any EV, but for a 2017 model, it's important to consider the battery's current capacity.
- Insurance: Insurance costs for the 2017 FIAT 500e will vary based on individual driving records, location, and chosen coverage. However, as a relatively niche vehicle and an electric car, insurance premiums might be slightly higher than comparable gasoline-powered compact cars, but this can fluctuate significantly.
Potential Considerations
While the 2017 FIAT 500e offers many positives, prospective buyers should be aware of a few potential drawbacks:
- Range: The EPA-estimated range for the 2017 500e is 84 miles on a full charge. This is suitable for many urban commutes and daily errands, but it may limit longer road trips or drivers with longer daily commutes without frequent charging opportunities.
- Battery Degradation: Like all battery-electric vehicles, the 500e's battery will degrade over time, meaning its maximum range will decrease. For a 2017 model, battery health should be a significant consideration during purchase.
- Passenger and Cargo Space: The 500e is a subcompact car, and its interior space is quite limited. The rear seats are best suited for children or short trips, and cargo space is also at a premium, making it less ideal for families or those who regularly carry large items.
- Ride Comfort on Rough Surfaces: While generally acceptable for city driving, the ride can become a bit unsettled and firm on poorly maintained roads or when encountering significant bumps.
Overall Summary
The 2017 FIAT 500e is a charming and eco-friendly city car that appeals to buyers looking for a stylish and fun electric vehicle for urban mobility. Its iconic Italian design, nimble handling, and zero-emission powertrain make it an attractive option for navigating congested city streets. However, potential buyers must carefully consider its limited electric range and interior space to ensure it aligns with their specific driving needs and lifestyle.
