Electric Fiat 500e Is Now In America! Full Review & My First Drive

[@Johnny_Socko]

So happy this review was done by an actual Fiat fan. The original 500e was hugely popular in Los Angeles, so at the very least I think this new version will do well here. The screen seems responsive enough to me, I think the actual problem may be touch recognition. And I think if hard plastics are going to be used in a car, then this is absolutely the way to do it -- with colorful panels rather than a drab gray textured finish.

[@Plague_Rat778]

I want this so bad, but at 150 mile range this would have to be a second car for me... which I am not in the place to do atm.

[@manuel0578]

The touch responsiveness is fine, I own the car. Software is Android automotive based. It has some weird omissions like not showing you the charging speed. Wireless CarPlay works great too

[@jrheisler]

I still drive my 2013 500e daily, except for snow days. It's still great!

[@float32]

I chew through tires so fast. It’s like a go kart. So fun.

[@jrheisler]

@@float32 I went up a size which seemed to get me a little more life out of mine. Love that car

[@tomh2349]

On my second a 2017 Argento Silver Sport.

[@float32]

@@jrheisler blasphemy! I will never trade any of the extra torque of the small tires! I suppose a lighter wheel might be able to compensate.

[@mpwaterhouse]

Same here my popsicle orange 2013 500e is still a delight to drive every day and even with 82K miles on the clock the battery still can comfortably manage a 60 mile freeway round-trip or even an 80 miler if there's a lot of non-freeway driving!

[@WinstonsGarage]

Jordan is killing it. Great work man!

[@elenab1150]

I bought my Fiat 500 in 2012. I still have it, I still love it. Took me to Canada mountains to Arizona, to Florida, to Washington DC. NOTHING ever happened to it. 136k mines so far. Would probably consider an electric upgrade but they don't offer classic legendary Fiat colors. Only yellow for me

[@kevinhill1851]

We recently bought a two-year old La Prima (top spec) model in the UK. Around about half the original price, so quite a lot of depreciation - but I think that is just the market right now. And we absolutely love, love, love it. We also have a Hyundai Ioniq 6 as our primary car, so the Fiat fits beautifully into the family. It’s been on some long day trips recently (as the I6 was out of action), do close to 400 miles in a day, and aside from more charge stops (compare to the I6), it has handled the wonderfully. Lots of personality, easy and fun to drive, still “perky” despite the low-ish power, and so damn cute to look at. No regrets.

[@ChargingtheRoad]

Ok, who was responsible for this edit?! That Intro was FIRE!

[@Jordan_Schiefer]

Yours truly! Kyle has to deal with my slightly longer timeline in exchange for production value sometimes. 😁

[@ChargingtheRoad]

@@Jordan_Schiefer inspirational 🙌

[@xrotaryguy]

Agreed! Nice work! One of your best reviews so far!

[@adamchoi8136]

Very top gear like.

[@kingkringle]

Love my 2018 Fiat and would absolutely buy this... Used. The styling is on point. The problem is that the small car gets great gas mileage, but sort of the opposite effect when it's electric and loses battery space. I've never once used the back seat, it would be nice to have an option for battery expansion or something to replace that space. Very happy to see a review from a fan and not somebody who doesn't get it. We'd all be safer if we drove small cars.

[@JakeRichardsong]

Makes no sense, electric vehicles are FAR more energy efficient than gas-powered vehicles.

[@kingkringle]

@@JakeRichardsong not about efficiency, but thanks for trying to evangelize. The gas 500 can go 300+ miles on a tank, while the electric is below half that on a charge.

[@TeaBreak.]

Had this car for the day in Madrid. Fantastic car compared to the equivalent 1 litre fossil rental car. Big tv and double the power for easy high speed motoring.

[@milohobo9186]

I watched a video that pointed out drum brakes were only an issue with excessive use, but were really good at keeping the brake sealed from moisture preventing rust. Perfect for EV applications.

[@mfinite689]

Good review. People spend so much money on accommodations that only apply to 2% of their life. Gotta have a dedicated guest bedroom for the 1-2 times a year someone actually stays at the house. Gotta have a 300 mile range EV for the 1-2 times a year you drive more than 30 miles a day. Gotta have a pickup truck for the 1-2 times a year you actually need to haul something that won't fit in a car. That's what rentals are for.

[@neurokinetik]

Finally, something I'm interested in buying.

[@alexdwebba]

I've had my 500e Icon trim since 2022 in the UK and hands down been the best built fiat ive ever had and so much fun to drive in town. Great for the work commute. This is also the third variant of the 500 model ive had (Abarth 595, 500 sport)

[@gingerboi8711]

I have been waiting for this out of spec review can't wait for a 70 mph range test I love my 2015 500e I am holding out for the cabriole

[@charleshayden1400]

J - you loaded a ton of pertinent info into 46 mins, and a well-done production. Professional work and straight talk. The car: Italian flair with “enough” Zip to stay safe, and - Oh, yeah, FUN! These have City-appeal, no doubt. Exciting times for Motor Heads - hard to keep up with the DAILY innovations. 👍🏿👍🏿🙏🏻👊

[@Madonsteamrailways]

To be honest, I’m impressed by the style of this damned car. To me, the car is a small car for urban transportation. I’m a country man living in Hertfordshire.

[@VolkerHett]

I'm living about a mile from the center in a town in Germany of some 600.000. I do have a garage with a door some 15" wider and 5" higher than the 500e Cabrio I have. This little car is so much fun especially with the top down. I use it for somewhat longer trips of some 250 miles every now and then and need one 30 minute charging stop (conveniently at a Mc Donalds) and another 10 Minutes stop close to home to be on the safe side. Visiting my mother in a village some 50 miles away is easy. Charging from the 220V 10A power outlet in my garage takes some 30h from 10 to 100% but usually I don't care, charging over night is enough for my daily needs. In the city it's a fun car for my single household. It's certainly good enough for the suburbs, too.

[@Madonsteamrailways]

My small hatchback is a little Renault Zoe. It’s the best car I’ve ever had in my control, using an 80% full battery.

[@jjbuu3560]

Great info. Please do the 2024 Kona Electric next!

[@meandmyEV]

Great review! I love the production quality. I also had a combustion 500 and it was one of my favorite cars of all time. I’m a big guy but it was a very comfortable car for the front passengers and crazy fun to drive.

[@billcarter5149]

A superb review Jordan! Your knack for keeping the interest level going is phenomenal. Best presentation style of anyone on the Spec team. And the car, she is adorable.

[@matt.docondor6099]

It is a stylish car, I Like the Convertible 500E. The full electric Fiat 500 E is a lot larger than the former gas and hybrid Versions, comfortable seating is possible with a 6.2" size. 😁. A great electric retro car for the metropolitan areas.

[@NotChand13rBing]

I ordered an Inspired by Beauty and am so excited for it to arrive!

[@alancobbin]

This was really enjoyable to,watch,cheers fella 👍

[@dono4579]

My first car was a FIAT, all FIATs are marked from Torino. FIAT is an abbreviation (Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino).

[@JohnRoss1]

Or: Fix It Again Tony 😂

[@studiocalder818]

or: First In Any Trial. FIAT

[@robertjohnson3140]

Fix It Again Tony. Fiat.

[@glennkennedy441]

This one's on the top of my list.

[@dennisalexanderreilly8624]

First time watching Jordan narrate a solo review. Great job, tons of detail and good observations.

[@paulkoop7042]

Red is also Italy's racing color.

[@simplygregsterev]

Ill be receiving mine soon!

[@pjmverbruggen]

Cool to see my car; I also have the 500e RED edition. But then in the European trim. I LOVE it and call it my Urban Tesla. Totally agree with the joy and personality of driving it. And I also agree with the inability to set my charge value. In addition I can’t see charge speeds in the car. Over the air updates do come but very irregular. Apart from that ; it’s perfect! ❤❤❤ Also fantastic video!

[@AnonymousFreakYT]

On the lack of frunk - I at least want a small lockable storage area that isn't visible through the windows to hold the "things every car should have" - the can of fix-a-flat and tire inflator, the mobile charge cord, a first aid kit, and room to store a purse. The microscopic Hyundai/Kia frunks are fine. Just enough space for a hatchback. Less needed on a sedan, but every EV with an "open to the cabin" storage area should have a frunk.

[@youmakeitreal]

Good point👍

[@earthzero7]

There is absolutely no reason why this car should cost more than $25k to$26,000. Even the highest model should be around $30k at most. Then I might be able to take it a little bit seriously... Great review though! Hopefully, it will get some super cheap lease availability and we'll see more views on the road.

[@GamingProject23]

Here in Europe they have been available for about 3 years, they start at about 25k here. So I hope theyll reduce the price in the US for you, too :)

[@jonr8315]

Agreed, the price is gonna kill this car unless they have reasonable leasing options.

[@chriscalderon1337]

@@GamingProject23 I wonder how much importing adds to the cost...

[@Markoboy99]

@@GamingProject23 Yeah but the starting price is for the 24kWh battery variant so can't really compare it to the bigger battery version.

[@markbartoszek8585]

And no EV tax credit to boot. It's as if Stellantis is trying to price it out of the market. lol

[@DasGanon]

This is making me cautiously optimistic about the Jeep Recon.

[@binauralauto3621]

Your videos are the best!

[@markallen4514]

Cool hoodie, love Marques.

[@mikethecargeek]

FIAT should have brought the 600e here, larger EV same as Jeep Avenger EV

[@Madonsteamrailways]

The Mighty Atom should be pure jam to park in a standard parking space in Hoddesdon!!

[@jpnw3272]

That is so weird! Only MPGe? The old 500e had both. And I guess charging limits not there. That also was on the previous 500e. It kind of irritates me, but I can set a limit on the level 2. The old 500e did have a glass sunroof that opens. That’s on mine. It’s great! But boy, what personality! I love it! I hope those two Abarths will soon come to the USA! I agree Jordan! Make it RWD! Great review Jordan!

[@milohobo9186]

If I was someone could afford to have 2 cars, this would be a great second car. The whole "daily driver" car was foreign to me until watching more of these car videos.

[@UPdan]

I have a gas Fiat 500 Pop hatchback with back hitch for cargo basket. Never once did I wish for a larger car. Going on 12 years and on to 30 if car prices keep going up. I looked and motorcycle parts are more expensive than mine.

[@ricardochoa]

Jordan, you are the best! Come to UK and review something 😅

[@mikefarrington7141]

I think the new Fiat 500e has an LFP battery, which is why there is no option to stop at 80%. It's unnecessary and also LFP needs occasional 100% charges (either for health or calibration).

[@TheHokiedude12]

You should take it to a downtown area and see how well it does there.

[@manuel0578]

You can change the efficiency unit in the display settings

[@QALibrary]

1:36 Yes you are very much correct - they were selling upwards of 400,000 cars and that dropped to 200,000 and after 3 or 4 years they were only selling 20,000 cars

[@krevo6c]

Thats a great Intro 🔥.

[@PeaceChanel]

Thank You Everybody for All that you are doing for our Planet Earth.... Peace.. Shalom.. Salam.. Namaste 🙏🏻 😊 ✌ ☮ ❤ 🕊

[@wj9494]

>$32k for 150 mile range….you guys have more money than I do. Thanks

[@wetzel82]

I know labor, battery, motors, etc cost a lot but this thing is only going to be worth buying once it’s used sitting at 20k or less

[@N.G.B.N]

Yeah, 32k is too much

[@faeinthebay]

Yeah, at that price point they should have just bought the old Chevy Bolt tooling and re-bodied it 😂 no clue how the Chevy has so much more range for the price

[@wetzel82]

@@faeinthebay That’s what i was going to comment but I didn’t want to be argued with that the bolt is boring etc. It gets 250-300 miles on a full charge in the cory

[@Cal94]

4:41 imho, the instant electric torque of EVs makes stickier tires a justifiable investment, regardless of the car's horsepower figure. My V60 Recharge puts out only 140hp to the rear wheels and weighs over 5,000lbs. but with the factory all-seasons, you didn't need to dip far into the throttle to get wheel slip, particularly when accelerating through a turn or just accelerating from a stand-still, and especially in the wet. Switching to UHP all-seasons solved that almost entirely.

[@JP-sw5ho]

You could make an after market frunk accessory for this

[@AndrewStilin]

I will never physically recover from this trip to the grocery store! 🛒😵

[@chelatube]

Hey Andrew, there's no need to buckle up in the back seat on the Cinquecento (tell your friend it's not CinqueNcento) as you don't shake that much back there do you? Greetings from Italy.

[@AndrewStilin]

@@chelatube Haha, good point! 😆

[@thadmachia9873]

Nice video thank you!

[@Smile-uwokeup-2day]

Really this EV ICONIC CAR IS IN USA WOW BEAUTIFUL CAR ITALY TOO IN RED

[@QALibrary]

The car is like 16 weeks late and the original plan was you could order back in October/November 2023 with a December but mostly January delivery date - not sure what dealerships/outlets will be selling these cars seeing FIAT was meant to close all their dealerships in the USA

[@lawnmowerdude]

They’ll probably sell them at dodge, jeep, ram, Chrysler dealerships.

[@QALibrary]

@@lawnmowerdudethe problem with that the sales force sells people that walk through the door one of there cars and one that will make them a lot more money vs a 500 any day

[@R56Cooper]

🤞Will we be getting the Abarth Electric for North America? Really hoping they bring that car here🎉🎉

[@JonasDavidsson]

Love it! 🔥

[@xrotaryguy]

Drum brakes are lighter than discs so, if you want a light car and you dont actually need discs (like on the back of a very small car), drums are the better choice.

[@sparkysho-ze7nm]

Go Jordan say it thoroughly appreciated extremely informative good review thanks 👍

[@manuel0578]

Interestingly this model has a lot more options for the headlights on the left stalk. In the European models one of the biggest annoyances with this car is that there was no way to turn off the headlights. You only had the options AUTO and headlights ON. So in the US version you can finally turn off the lights. 😂

[@thomosburn8740]

re: charging levels (13m into the video): At my office the 40A breaker gets tripped all the time by cars trying to draw power too fast from our shared and free to use Level 2 chargers. Being able to step-down the draw when using a shared public charger is a GREAT idea . . especially if you're not being charged by the minute and can leave the car plugged in for a few hours. The Tesla vehicles at our office can automatically adjust their power draw downward, consequently they don't trip that breaker. But the rest of us - Ford, Hyundai, BMW etc vehicles we all trip the breaker sometimes.

[@simplygregsterev]

You can adjust intensity on all those cars you listed. Mini for exmaple has 16a and 32a. Hyundai can go down to 6-8.

[@HygienistDentist]

Can’t wait for the convertible to come here!!!

[@winc06]

Neat little car well presented. Last of the 2 doors. Maybe the Abarth.

[@akshaygi]

Waiting for 500e vs Mini

[@buddy1155]

The Renault 5 is much cooler as both but probably not available in the US

[@KyleConner]

Already live on the guide channel

[@Bodofooko]

All I can see when I look at the 500 logo is Mr. Hankey the Christmas Poo laying on his side

[@otm646]

I think the space in between the numbers really need the Italian flag colors.

[@juliem1421]

Google search suggests the battery is LFP so charging to 100% probably default for battery type

[@GregWaszkiewicz]

Another awesome video from Jordan, really like the quality improvement. As for the car everything about it is fine except the price, Fiats were always about value not quality, this doesn't have neither. The only thing this car has going for it is nostalgia for people like me who grew up with one. If this was $20k-$25k it would sell but at $35k this will fail here in US very quickly.

[@89BennyBenassi]

This Car is extrem popular in Europe. Interesting how it sales in the US. Small cars are overall popular in Europe because of the small roads .

[@bigtb1717]

I’m guessing the 87KW rating is how much output power the motor produces. But nothing is 100% efficient. The motor would certainly draw more than 87KW from the battery while outputting 87KW.

[@Yanquetino]

My wife would love one, if it comes with a "mint" color and a cabriolet roof.

[@CraziFuzzy]

I very much regret NOT keeping my 500e after the lease was up. It was just the perfect car for my daily drives. can't wait to test drive the new 'proper' 500e to see how much better a purpose built machine would be compared to the conversion model the old 500e was.

[@nightmaresiege6823]

The 500e is cool but the issue is the Volvo EX30 is also a pretty small car without all of the performance/range compromise

[@AndrewKarmy]

It's cool, the design is good and it's nice to have a small car option. But heck, just like the Mini, it's a tough sell at the price & range. You really are paying for the styling and size.

[@busog97641]

*I enjoyed the ending!!!*

[@simplygregsterev]

Does it play the Amarcord sounds as the EU model does?

[@yourtypicalgerman]

We love it over here in Germany.

[@otm646]

It's at least 6k too expensive. At MSRP you would be insane to buy this vs a Tesla.

[@faeinthebay]

I don't think the 500e is trying to compete directly with any Tesla. It's trying to be smaller and cuter, as a city car for people who don't take road trips or who have a second car. That's why I got my used 500e. But the price is a lot to stomach, they're aiming for a wealthy and niche crowd. I wish they had an affordable base trim that would fill the niche left by the Chevy Bolt.

[@jonevansauthor]

Tesla doesn't offer a small car so that's the equivalent of saying, 'Why get that seaplane, when you could get a Tesla?' Sure, if they offer a small car, then there might be a conversation to be had, but otherwise you're just saying you want an unnecessarily large car and aren't in the market for a small car.

[@JakeRichardsong]

Correct, the Model 3 costs about the same, with incentives, has much more range and is rated highly for safety.

[@ivantuma7969]

I wish they had made it rear/mid motor ... I loved the rear-engine Fiat cars from the 50s thru the 80s (growing up with older Skodas, Tatras, and Polki Fiats I always thought the best place for the engine was in the rear - that's just me ... I just can't get used to a FWD Fiat 500 even though it's been around for a while and it's on a new platform, etc. etc.. Same went for the new Beetle from the 90s.

[@darknessislight3689]

❤❤❤❤❤ I love this little car 😊 both ICE and the new EV version

[@ericcindycrowder7482]

Problem selling a car like this in America, it has a very enthusiastic but small demand. When a new model comes out they initially sell well, but everyone who wants one quickly get theirs then the demand evaporates rather quickly.

[@sparkysho-ze7nm]

35k mighty proud of it

[@HygienistDentist]

I’ll buy it in cabrio. Take my money!

[@shockthemonkey7046]

I own a la Prima(premium) spec here in the uk - range - it is not difficult to get 160-170 miles out of it in warm weather if you learn to use range and normal mode properly.

[@Madonsteamrailways]

It has quite a big boot for a tiny car, and I bet it has quite a bit of poke in it. It doesn’t look as small as a Fiat 500!!

[@tombache3426]

Lane centering is a PITA. We were just in the UK, rental was a VW. You may move off center for road conditions ( a pothole the radar can’t see) and it may snap the wheel in your hand and verbally reminds you. Either you drive or the car drives, which is it going to be??

[@JoelVoigt]

Like your reviews, BUT, would be nice if you were in a parking garage when showing the touch screen. In bright sunlight all we see is reflection.

[@toyotaprius79]

Speaking from Europe, Ireland I adored the 500e, they shoupd make a Giardinia estate instead of a cynical phone in 600e But also, an EV/PHEV conversion of the og 500 and Panda. It's so infuriating why they won't do that

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

this is one of the best selling EVs in europe

[@otm646]

At this price? That is absolutely wild. I get the city car thing, but it's painfully expensive.

[@faeinthebay]

​@@otm646 The pricing doesn't seem any cheaper in Europe, I guess it's popular because parking can be really hard to find. When I studied in Madrid for a summer, it was jaw dropping to see how tight parking was in downtown and lavapies. It makes my neighborhood in San Francisco feel like a cakewalk.

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

@@otm646 still cheaper than most other EVs

[@QALibrary]

2:00 They totally redesigned this car (from my notes everything is totally different) and they copied most of the production techniques from Telsa (mainly the castings) so the car is 25% cheaper to assemble and 25% cheaper to build due to the cost of materials used - so the big question is will most of this saving go to the end user ie customer or the shareholders?

[@otm646]

You may not work in the auto industry, or your memory may be short. Chrysler pioneered some of the most elaborate casting techniques in the world for decades. This idea of big casting = Tesla is forgetting much of automotive history. You also may be aware that Tesla's casting defect rate is enormous, when I was working on a certain blue oval project that was one of the main reasons we didn't push for extra large castings. Scrap planning is factored in at the start.

[@QALibrary]

So from your review looks like the shareholders are getting 100% of the saved money

[@QALibrary]

@@otm646Fiat themselves said they copied Tesla production and ways to do stuff was this PR spin or not… I do not know

[@fuller9x]

The Leaf still seems like the king of the city EV, so it would be interesting to see a drive off between this, the Leaf and Mini

[@JD-yx7be]

does the leaf still have chademo charging, if so that is a network on life support

[@fuller9x]

@@JD-yx7be It still does, so yeah you're not straying too far from home

[@jonathancappellini2961]

The Bolt is a better city car than the Leaf sorry.

[@BradYsseldyke]

We test-drove a '17 500e that had a glass top a few years back, I can't recall if it was a full glass roof or just a very large moonroof. Fiat never converted the 500c to EV for the US in that initial run. I'd love to see the 500e with the roll-back top come stateside. I'd assume that if Fiat did it, it would be for a limited edition model.

[@ShadowRaptor8]

Is that the MKBHD hoodie? Looks good. This looks like a perfect second car, $34k is a little pricey but guessing it'll be discounted sooner rather than later.

[@surturiel]

Do you know what would fit nicely inn that front scape under the hood? A space saver spare/donut. Just like old Fiats.

[@AlRoderick]

A lot of the old kei cars had the spares up front too, the problem is that those particular donuts do not crumble properly when in a front end collision, they come through the dash. That's actually another good reason to not include a frunk in a really small car like this, you might make the crumple zone uncrumpable.

[@faeinthebay]

​@@AlRoderickI agree, it would also negate any pedestrian safety ability.

[@MarsPLAYStudio]

3:50 These are also the indicators. At least in the eu.

[@creosl]

We got the new 600e in Eu. Probably the only Stelantis car without heated steering wheel.

[@officialyasir]

Good job, Jordan! I think this will be good used car, it’s a little too expensive brand new.

[@kaboombox1581]

This car fits into 2 categories: city/commuter ev and/or car as fashion accessory.

[@derkies2133]

Yea, this is the ideal vehicle for a urban dentist's daughter

[@Madonsteamrailways]

Would I get myself a Fiat 500? Not likely!! But I want a small camper and will be getting a Vauxhall Combo Life Electric with the Wheelhome Vikenze III conversion for camping in.

[@Dqtube]

They will not exist that many better options for this vehicle than what's currently available, as the more premium one is called the Lancia Ypsilon Elettrica , but I'm not sure if will be available in the US.

[@N.G.B.N]

Looks cool, it’s WAY WAY too expensive for the kind of car you get compared to Tesla or others. $32k starting price?? Really

[@tuckerhaslett8162]

You’re right. I bought my Tesla model X for $35k. granted it’s a 2017 with 80,000 miles but it is in perfect working condition. I get over 220 miles of rain. I can go anywhere with a supercharger. This thing is way too expensive for $32,000.

[@sentientnpc]

What is battery degradation going to look like knowing I would probably charge this to 100% everytime vs 80% with a current Leaf. That would be my biggest question for this and the new Mini.

[@Johnny_Socko]

Per a comment above, if it's a LFP battery then there is no significant issue with charging it to 100% regularly.

[@tombache3426]

You should remember, pop the rear headrests off, put on the floor and the rear seat goes mostly flat. If you live for a stereo, buy a different car. It’s a nice commuter car, you aren’t ( likely) going to drive cross country,

[@F4T4LFL4W]

What is this production value?!?