Fiat reveals electric 500 hatch
Wednesday, 10 June 2020
Fiat has revealed the totally electric 500 hatchback, set to exist alongside the already-revealed convertible.
Both electric 500s receive power from a 42kWh battery, which is connected to an 86kW electric motor on the front axle. Range is rated at 320km while 0-100kmh sprints can be achieved in nine seconds. Going from nought to 50kmh takes 3.1 seconds, however.
Improving charge speeds is fast-charging support that lets an 85kW charger juice the battery to 80 per cent in 35 minutes. The standard home charger works at 3kW but an optional upgrade kit cranks that figure up to 7.4kW, allowing for a full charge at home in six hours.
Fiat has given the electric 500 a Level 2 autonomous driving system, which means the car can accelerate, brake and steer itself in some situations but the driver has to remain alert to changing conditions.
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Early adopters will get their electric 500s in La Prima spec, which adds a panoramic roof and one of three exclusive paint options. Other extras include full LED headlights, 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, eco-leather upholstery on the seats and dash, and chrome-plated inserts.
The spec sheet puts the e-500 up against Mini's forthcoming Electric hatch, which is due here around August at a starting price of $60k. Renault's Zoe is also due to get an upgrade in the near future.
Fiat's offering has less power but more range than the Mini and if the price is right, could poach some sales. However, Fiat NZ has said there isn't any visibility on electric 500 models just yet.