The Fiat 500 Hatchback 24kWh is a compact electric vehicle that has made a significant impact on the automotive industry since its launch in 2020. This stylish and efficient city car offers a perfect blend of modern design, impressive performance, and advanced features, making it an attractive choice for urban dwellers seeking a sustainable and enjoyable driving experience.
Fiat 500 Hatchback 24kWh Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Launch Year | 2020 |
| Body Type | 3-door Hatchback |
| Seating | 4 people |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Power | 70 kW (93 hp) |
| Torque | 220 Nm (162 lb-ft) |
| Battery | 23.8 kWh usable, 24 kWh total |
| Range (WLTP) | 190 km |
| Consumption (WLTP) | 13 kWh/100 km |
| Acceleration (0-100 km/h) | 9.5 seconds |
| Top Speed | 135 km/h (84 mph) |
| Charging | Type 2 AC: 11 kW, CCS DC: 50 kW max |
| Dimensions | 3632 x 1683 x 1527 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2322 mm |
| Trunk Space | 180 liters, 550 liters max |
| Weight | 1255 kg unladen, 1580 kg gross |
| Price | €26,790 / £23,490 / $28,500 |
Performance
The Fiat 500 Hatchback 24kWh delivers a lively and responsive driving experience thanks to its electric powertrain. The front-wheel-drive configuration provides excellent traction and control, while the instant torque from the electric motor ensures smooth and effortless acceleration. With a maximum power output of 70 kW (93 hp) and a torque figure of 220 Nm (162 lb-ft), the 500 can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 9.5 seconds, making it a nimble and agile city car.
We found the 500 to be particularly enjoyable in urban environments, where its compact dimensions and tight turning circle allow for easy maneuverability through congested streets and tight parking spaces. The regenerative braking system, with its three levels of recuperation, further enhances the driving experience by providing a one-pedal driving mode that helps to maximize energy efficiency and extend the vehicle’s range.
Battery and Charging
The Fiat 500 Hatchback 24kWh is equipped with a water-cooled lithium-ion battery pack with a total capacity of 24 kWh, of which 23.8 kWh is usable. This battery system, operating at a nominal voltage of 360V, provides a WLTP-rated range of 190 km, ensuring that most daily commutes can be completed without the need for frequent charging.
When it comes to charging, the 500 offers a range of options to suit different needs and situations. For home and destination charging, the vehicle comes equipped with a Type 2 AC charging port that supports up to 11 kW of power. Using an 11 kW charging station, the battery can be charged from 0 to 100% in approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, making it convenient for overnight charging or while parked at work or shopping centers.
For longer journeys or when time is of the essence, the 500 also supports DC fast charging via a CCS charging port. With a maximum charging power of 50 kW, the battery can be charged from 10 to 80% in just 24 minutes, significantly reducing downtime and enabling more flexibility for road trips or unexpected charging needs.
Design and Dimensions
The Fiat 500 Hatchback 24kWh boasts a distinctive and iconic design that pays homage to the original Fiat 500 while incorporating modern elements and a sleek electric aesthetic. The compact dimensions of the vehicle, measuring 3632 mm in length, 1683 mm in width, and 1527 mm in height, make it an ideal choice for navigating tight city streets and parking in cramped spaces.
The 500’s exterior features include a bold front grille, distinctive LED headlights, and a range of vibrant color options to suit individual preferences. The vehicle’s aerodynamic design, with a drag coefficient of just 0.28 Cd, helps to optimize efficiency and reduce wind noise, contributing to a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience.
Inside the cabin, the 500 offers a spacious and well-appointed interior for a vehicle of its size. The four-seat configuration provides ample room for passengers, while the 180-liter trunk offers practical storage space for everyday items. The vehicle’s wheelbase of 2322 mm ensures a comfortable ride, while the suspension system, consisting of MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam axle at the rear, provides a smooth and stable ride quality.
Infotainment and Displays
The Fiat 500 Hatchback 24kWh comes equipped with a comprehensive infotainment system that keeps drivers connected and entertained. The centerpiece of this system is a large 10.25-inch touchscreen display, which serves as the main interface for accessing various functions such as navigation, music playback, and vehicle settings.
The infotainment system supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, allowing seamless integration with compatible smartphones. This feature enables users to access their favorite apps, make hands-free calls, and send messages using voice commands, ensuring a safe and convenient driving experience.
In addition to the central touchscreen, the 500 also features a 7-inch digital instrument cluster that provides essential driving information such as speed, battery level, and range. This display is customizable and can be configured to display various driving modes and energy consumption data, helping drivers to optimize their driving efficiency.
Comfort and Convenience
The Fiat 500 Hatchback 24kWh prioritizes comfort and convenience for both drivers and passengers. The vehicle comes equipped with heated front seats, ensuring a cozy and comfortable ride even in colder climates. The panoramic glass roof, which spans the entire length of the cabin, floods the interior with natural light and creates a sense of spaciousness.
For added convenience, the 500 features a range of parking aids, including 11 front and rear sensors, a 360-degree camera, and a reversing camera. These features make it easier to maneuver the vehicle in tight spaces and improve overall parking confidence.
The vehicle’s connectivity features extend beyond the infotainment system, with the inclusion of wireless charging for compatible smartphones. This feature eliminates the need for cables and ensures that devices are always powered up and ready to use.
Safety Features
Safety is a top priority for the Fiat 500 Hatchback 24kWh, and the vehicle is equipped with a range of advanced safety features to protect occupants and other road users. The 500 received a 4-star rating from Euro NCAP in 2021, demonstrating its commitment to safety.
The vehicle’s safety features include a comprehensive airbag system, with side airbags, front airbags, and a head airbag system. Additionally, the 500 comes equipped with a range of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), such as front radar and camera, lane keep assist, lane centering assist, blind spot alert, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, traffic sign recognition, and attention assist.
These ADAS features work together to enhance the vehicle’s safety and provide an extra layer of protection for drivers and passengers. The front radar and camera system, for example, constantly monitors the road ahead and can automatically apply the brakes if it detects an imminent collision with a vehicle, pedestrian, or cyclist.
Conclusion
The Fiat 500 Hatchback 24kWh has left an indelible mark on the electric vehicle market since its launch in 2020. Its combination of stylish design, impressive performance, and advanced features has made it a popular choice among urban dwellers seeking a sustainable and enjoyable driving experience.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve towards an electric future, the 500 serves as a testament to Fiat’s commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility. The vehicle’s success has paved the way for future electric models and has helped to drive the adoption of electric vehicles in cities around the world.
Looking ahead, we can expect to see the Fiat 500 Hatchback 24kWh continue to influence the development of electric vehicles, with its focus on compact design, efficiency, and user-friendly features serving as a blueprint for future models. As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, vehicles like the 500 will play a crucial role in shaping the way we think about urban mobility and the impact of our transportation choices on the environment.
