Fiat launches first North American BEV

Fiat will make its B-segment 500e available in the North America showrooms of its Stellantis parent from the first quarter of 2024, marking the brand’s first foray into BEVs in the region.

“Fiat is taking on BEVs in a way only the Italian brand can; combining ‘La Dolce Vita’ spirit of an icon with a mission of sustainability and zero emissions,” says Olivier Francois, Fiat CEO and global CMO of Stellantis. “The 2024 500e is a modern, tech-forward take on a beloved classic, delivering a host of new safety features, while remaining fun to drive and true to its roots.”

The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the 500e is $32,500, not including $1,595 destination. The light (at just over 3,000lbs) 2-door, 4-seat vehicle boasts 118 horsepower and 162 lbf.ft. of torque, reaching 0-60mph in 8.5 seconds.

The car has an estimated 149 miles (240 km) of range. It features 85kW of fast-charge capability with 31 miles (50km) of range after only five minutes of charging and 80pc battery capacity in just 35 minutes.

But its 42kWh battery has an 11kW L2 charge time of four hours and 15 minutes. A home L2 Wallbox charger system or charge credits through Stellantis’ Free2Move Charge service will be included with Fiat 500e sales.

The 500e has been manufactured in Fiat’s Mirafiori plant in Turin, Italy, since its early 2020 launch. The firm says it is in the top five for BEV sales globally, and is the best-selling small car in Europe with over 1 bn miles driven in 500es on the continent.