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Fiat showed off the 500 Electric in New York, should sell it here too


The New York Auto Show fairly predictable for the most part; a lot of model refresh, cut line and new engine. Things you expect from a lot auto show. But there is a really strange, inexplicable occurrence: Fiat 500 Electric.

For reasons we don’t know yet, or even to Stellantis PR reps, Fiat the stall is not decorated by just one lonely person 500X – currently the brand’s entire product line in the US – but also pomodoro (tomato) red 500 Electric convertible and a light pink 500 Electric hatchback. The two cars that Stellantis has, since the introduction of the model a few years ago, say they will Not will come to the United States. They are not shuffled or displayed on any fancy screens. They just sit on the carpet like any other regular Stellantis product. And of course, we have to test them.

And… they’re pretty awesome! We think Fiat should sell 500 Electrics here. Here’s why:

First of all, they are great designs. They’re still as cute and classic as the 500’s petrol (and electric) predecessors, but with more attention to detail. The headlights intersect the hood, and the turn signals bounce off the ring road. Convenient recessed door handles sit below that line. Small tabs with model names will slide down from the window section. The retro style, without the grille is natural and practical, and the whole car has subtle sporty curves. Plus, you can buy it as a convertible, something the competition doesn’t offer.

Fiat 500 electric

The great details continue inside. The materials are certainly cheap (and admittedly the door does seem a bit flimsy when closed), but it also entails the same tricks. Ford Maverick do. It has fun with color, materials and shapes to make it pleasant. It has a soft, curved dashboard that can be upholstered in cool fabric or painted to match the bodywork. Seating is available with “FIAT“wordmark stitches it all through the upholstery. And it has convenient controls to go along with a bright and responsive touchscreen. Plus, the rear half of the hatch on the hatchback is perfect for getting in and out of the rear seats. The back seat is still tight, but you can get three adults into the car in a pinch (your head and knees).

Basically, it’s an extremely stylish and luxurious machine, one that tram The market can use more in the low-cost segment. And it is likely to sell at a low. In the UK, the 500 Electric starts at almost £5,000 (about $6,500) less than a Mini Cooper SE (here in the US starts at $34,750 including destination but not including tax incentives) and it’s around £3,000 (nearly $4,000) less than Nissan Leaf with 40 kWh the battery package (starts at $28,425). While prices don’t usually change directly, it looks like the 500 Electric could have a shot at becoming the most affordable electric vehicle sold in the US, assuming that similarity won’t add up too much. many costs.

And for that low price, the Fiat will not only carry a lot of style but also an impressive range. Its 42 kWh battery pack (with 37.3 kWh usable) provides about 199 miles of range on the WLTP cycle. That will probably be a little lower in the US But since it exceeds both Nissan Leaf and the Mini SE’s WLTP range (168 miles and 145 miles respectively), we imagine it beats both on EPA too, where the Leaf 40 kWh is the low-cost leader with a range of 149 miles. Fiat also boasts 85 kW DC fast charging, which is better than Nissan or Mini, not to mention luxurious, but Mazda MX-30 low range.

Fiat 500 electric

Fiat isn’t class president everywhere. Its 117 horsepower sound meager, but it still has to have plenty of low-end torque and feel spinning in something so small. And speaking of size, it certainly has less space inside than the other three affordable EVs we’ve mentioned. But it is significantly larger than the old 500. It’s over 3 inches and over 2 inches wider, will be more appealing to Americans. Goods space doesn’t change, unfortunately.

There’s one more reason we can see the 500 Electric as a solid product for the US: Fiat really needs it product. The brand is currently selling a single model, the 500X. And it’s getting old. It has a newer engine from its brother, Jeep Renegade, but that only goes so far. Having a stylish, new electric car will further diversify the showroom, help demonstrate that the Stellantis brands are serious about the transition to electric power and could attract some buyers who have never been before. think of Fiat.

That’s right, we as car enthusiasts tend to demand cars that don’t make sense in our respective markets. And there may be an element of that in our argument – we simply think the 500 Electric is neat. But that’s really not all. The car has some really impressive electric range available for similarly impressive prices. It also does it without sounding boring or bad. It’s also better sized now for the US and it will brighten up some sad looking Fiats authorized dealer.

Come on, Stellantis, shoot 500 more in America.

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