LeftLaneNews
2019 Fiat 500e

2019 Fiat 500e

<p>The Fiat 500e is one of a growing number of "compliance specials," or electric vehicles designed primarily to satisfy California's mandate that 15.4 percent of new cars sold within its borders be electric, plug-in hybrid or hydrogen-powered by 2025. </p><p><strong>Battery-powered</strong></p>Sold only in California and in Oregon, the 500e is actually more powerful than the standard, gas-powered 500 on which it is based, although it is limited to an 87-to-100-mile range.<p>While the standard Cinquecento makes due with 135 horsepower, the 500e's electric motor sends 111 ponies and 149 lb-ft of twist to the front wheels through a single-speed automatic transmission. A lithium-ion battery housed under the floor helps improve the weight distribution to 57/43-percent front/rear (compared to the 500's 64/36) and provides an EPA-rated combined city/highway range of 87 miles. In city driving, Fiat says the car can travel up to 100 miles on a single charge.</p><p>In terms of efficiency, the 500e is good for 122 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) in the city, 108 MPGe on the highway and 116 MPGe combined. </p><p>When the battery is fully depleted, recharging takes four hours with a 240v charger and a full 24 hours with a standard 120v household outlet.</p><p><strong>Overview</strong></p><p>Outside, the 500e is fitted with a model-specific front air dam, side skirts borrowed from the potent Abarth and a host of subtle aerodynamics optimizing changes that help trim the coefficient of drag from .36 to .31. Underneath the changes, the Italian-chic, retro-cute shape of the 500 carries over. </p><p>The interior features special acoustic glass, noise-reducing pads and number of other measures to keep noise levels down, but perhaps biggest difference from the gas-powered 500 in the cabin is a unique seven-inch TFT screen that displays battery info and range details in addition to general vehicle information. </p><p>In other respects, the interior is standard 500 fare, meaning it features a stylish, contrasting-color dashboard, an upright seating position and rear "seats" best left to extremely small children and cargo. </p><p><strong>Standard and optional features</strong></p><p>The 500e comes standard with a six-speaker, 276-watt AM/FM/CD/SiriusXM stereo system with USB and AUX inputs, a five-inch touchscreen display that runs Fiat's Uconnect infotainmente system, a rear park assist system, automatic climate control, power windows and locks, keyless entry, heated front seats and 15-inch cast-aluminum wheels.</p><p>An available e-Sport package adds what Fiat calls "high-voltage" look, including blacked-out exterior trim, "Nero" leatherette upholstery and uniquely finished cast-aluminum wheels with Electrico Arancione Perla accents to match the wild available exterior color.</p><p><strong>Occupant safety</strong></p><p>All 500e models are fitted with dual front, front side, front knee and full-length side curtain airbags in addition to traction and stability control systems, brake assist and a tire-pressure monitoring system.</p><p><strong>Key Competitors</strong></p><p>Live in California or Oregon? Looking for an electric vehicle? Much better alternatives to the 500e include the second-generation&nbsp;<a href="http://www.leftlanenews.com/new-car-buying/nissan/leaf/">Nissan Leaf</a>.</p>