Fiat goes all electric with the new 500

Times are changing and the automotive industry is fast adapting, which is why the all-new Fiat 500 is FCA’s first fully electric car. Although it may not look radically different to the model it replaces, the engineers at Fiat have been hard at work and that’s because the third-gen 500 will only be available as an Electric Vehicle.

From an aesthetic standpoint, the new 500 is a bit frown-y but the new bonnet line that divides the headlights and continues into a chrome strip above the flush door handles is an excellent addition. To accompany its new powertrain, the 500 has hit the gym and is now bulkier measuring 6cm wider, 6cm longer, and sees an increase in the wheelbase by an additional 2cm.

Hiding under the floor is a 42kWh battery that gets connected to a single 117hp electric motor, pushing the 500 from 0-100km/h in 9.3 seconds and to a top speed of 150 km/h. Range per charge stands at 320km WLTP, which is better than the Honda-e at 220km and the MINI at 232km. Moreover, the all-new 500 will be provided with an 85kW fast charger as standard so that drivers can get 50km of range in just five minutes of charge.

The 500 has three driving modes – ‘Normal’, ‘Range’ and ‘Sherpa’. Yes, you read that right and according to Fiat’s press release it mentions: “Just like a Himalayan Sherpa, who is in charge of the whole expedition and guides it to the destination, this driving mode adjusts various parameters: maximum speed, limited to 80kph; accelerator response, in order to reduce energy consumption; and deactivation of the climate control system and heated seats.”

The launch edition known as ‘La Prima’ comes loaded with tech and completed in a special paint. There’s also a new infotainment system with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen and full level 2 driving autonomy. Since it’s a convertible, prices are relatively high with the La Prima costing approximately AED 155,000 in Italy.