If you’re looking for small, compact, peppy and electric, consider the 2024 Fiat 500e, which this year is a two-door gad-about-town.
America hasn’t seen the 500 since 2019, and this year, the ‘500’ is all electric (no petrol-powered versions available). And for people who just need a small inner-city car to zip in and out, those who have bought one say the 2024 500e fits the bill nicely.
Manufactured in Turin, Italy, this oversized Italian Vespa is indeed fun to drive. You really will feel like the biggest bee in the bumble as you tool around town and on local highways.
The interior is a little cramped if you are big-boned, as I am. But for many of you, whose daily diet does include plenty of Fall root vegetables and eight glasses of water per day, you should be just fine in the front two seats. (Yes, there is a back row for your friends who are more flexible).
The driving range of the 500e is disappointing, compared to other EVs out there. You can get a max of 150 miles or so on one charge, and if you need to charge your car at home (who doesn’t, right?) be sure you can charge it overnight – and often.
Because the 500e is made in Italy and not on U.S soil, your purchase will not qualify for the Electric Vehicle Federal Tax Credit. But Fiat is offering some incentives to American customers to make the car more attractive.
Don’t get me wrong, this car is a beauty. It’s almost like the perfect Barbie car, complete with style and color and class and music. No shortage of fun here.
But there as some practical considerations before you buy, none-the-least of which is a starting price of $37,500 US for all that compact-ness. Further, if you don’t have the time nor the garage to charge this car (often), it may be sitting pretty more than it is out on the road.
I will admit, I am not completely sold on EVs for the average consumer. I am all about saving the planet, but by-and-large, the infrastructure throughout the U.S. for maintaining a healthy use of EVs still is not there IMHO. But… that is changing (and hopefully will continue to change after the election).
As always, it’s important that you decide what you need (then what you want) before you go shopping for a car. The 2024 Fiat 500e would make a great second car.
And, to be honest, probably not a bad first car if all you need is something small and tight for your fabulous LGBT life.
No Great Danes please.
