Fiat Unveils First-Ever Full-Electric Model for Australia - The 500e - Designed and Made in Italy!

Jacob Brooke
March 9, 2023

Fiat Australia has announced the launch of the Fiat 500e, the first full-electric model in Fiat's history that has been designed, engineered and manufactured in Turin, Italy. The new model will arrive in dealerships mid-year and will be priced from $52,500 (excluding on-road charges) in a hatch trim named "La Prima."

Fiat 500e Front

The Fiat 500e is an iconic car with a clear focus on sustainable mobility and modern design. It is rated one of the most environmentally friendly cars on the market, scoring a maximum five-star rating from the Green New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) and achieving a maximum score of 10/10 in the Energy Efficiency Index.

Fiat 500e Charging

The Fiat 500e is equipped with a front-mounted electric motor outputting 87kW with a peak torque output of 220Nm, enough to push the new 500 from 0-100km/h in 9.0 seconds. It supports three charging modes and is equipped with a CCS COMBO Type 2 socket that enables both domestic AC and DC fast charging at a rate of 85kW in dedicated public stations.

In Europe, the Fiat 500e is certified to a range of 311km, and it is expected the Australian range will follow suit. One full charge can support more than a complete working week of urban commuting, based on the average drive distance of 50km per day. The Fiat 500e includes an e-mode selector on the central console enabling the driver to select three different driving modes: Normal, Range & Sherpa.

Fiat 500e Interior

The La Prima launch specifications also incorporate a rearview parking camera, blind spot monitor, autonomous emergency brake control with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane control, attention assist, intelligent speed assistant with traffic sign recognition, tyre pressure monitoring system, automatic headlamp on, seat belt reminder, high-beam assist and rain sensing wipers.

The Fiat 500e features Autonomous Driving Level 2 as standard, with a forward-looking camera, located behind the internal rearview mirror, supporting longitudinal and lateral control of the vehicle, performing intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (iACC) and Lane Centering (LC).

Fiat 500e Rear

The new Fiat 500e reinterprets the iconic look of the classic 500, incorporating quintessential design cues and pairing them with an extraordinary electric experience. The vehicle achieves driving comfort by wisely controlling vehicle dynamics to avoid typical pitch and roll movement of the electric vehicles. The chassis has been completely renewed, but it remains true to its traditional small hatchback proportions. The Fiat 500e is the perfect city car, now boasting an enlarged track and length to host the 42kWh high voltage lithium-ion battery pack, giving an outstanding new stance to the vehicle and dramatically improving the interior usable space.

The inside of the Fiat 500e has been thoughtfully designed, with a contemporary interpretation of the timeless style reflected by some unique design cues, including the classic Fiat dashboard insert, the two-spoke steering wheel and the rounded cluster that makes a clear connection with the 1957 original 500. An unmistakable 500 glass roof comes standard with the Fiat 500e and fills the interior with light, creating a bright and welcoming ambiance.

Fiat 500e Driving

The vehicle is equipped with a retractile curtain, in order to share the interior ambient when the sunrays are too intrusive. A touchscreen infotainment system, with a 10.25” tablet combined with a 7” TFT full digital cluster, provides intuitive information with a seamless experience. The huge 10.25” tablet becomes the unsurpassed protagonist of the dashboard area.

The Fiat 500e will be available in six colours, all inspired by nature: Ice White, Onyx Black, Ocean Green, Mineral Grey, Rose Gold and Celestial Blue

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Jacob Brooke
Jacob Brooke, a respected voice in the world of automotive journalism, brings a wealth of knowledge and insights to his reviews at CarSauce. His keen eye for detail and passion for all things cars shine through in his in-depth analysis and honest evaluations of the latest models of cars. Join him as he guides readers through the car-buying process and explores the exciting world of motoring.

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