Fiat reveals new all-electric 500

By Matt De Prez

5 March 2020

Fiat’s next-generation 500 city car will be fully electric, with a range of 200 miles.

Set to arrive in the UK next year, the new 500 has been re-designed from the ground up.

A 42kWh battery pack is integrated into the car’s floor, with an 85kW on-board fast charger.

Fiat says the car can achieve an 80% charge in 35 minutes and enough power to travel 30 miles in just five minutes.

There are three distinct driving modes that alter the car’s behaviour. Normal is said to provide a similar driving experience to a conventional petrol Fiat 500 , while the Range mode enables one pedal driving by activating the regeneration system.

A third mode, Sherpa, puts the car into a super-efficient mode with limited acceleration and a 50mph top speed. In this mode, the car’s sat-nav will analyse the route and adjust it to include any necessary charging stops.

The new 500 is the first FCA vehicle to feature the company’s new Uconnect 5 infotainment system. It’s operated via a 10.25-inch touchscreen in the Fiat 500, offering connected services and an all-new user interface.

Driver assistance systems are available across the range and include adaptive cruise control blind spot monitor and lane keep assist.

Externally, the car has an all-new body that is longer and wider than before. The 500’s wheelbase has been increased to improve passenger comfort and give the car greater stability.

Styling reflects that of the previous car, with retro touches that mirror the original 500.

Inside, the interior has been lifted with higher levels of comfort and technology.

Special launch models, named La Prima, are open for ordering now. They are only offered in convertible body style initially and come packed with all available features.

It is proced from £29,000, including the plug-in car grant. The rest of the range will be announced at a later date.

For now, the recently refreshed 500 Hybrid will continue to be sold.