I drove the Fiat 500 Electric – it’s nippy & the best small EV to buy but there was a big drawback when I gave it a spin
IN my line of work I’m used to seeing schoolkids point as I drive past.
Mostly when I’m at the wheel of a supercar that’s loud and fast and dripping in aero.
But I’ve never got as much attention as I did in a Fiat 500 Electric.
The reason? It was pink.
It looked like I’d taken a wrong turn off the set of the Barbie movie.
But do you know that, despite the odd cheeky comment that can’t be printed here, the 500 is a great piece of kit.
In fact, I reckon it’s still the best small EV on sale today.
It’s bigger and much plusher inside than the bean-can petrol version beloved of students on £99-per-month PCP deals.
And it’s a genuine laugh to blitz through town in.
It’s nippy and agile, and effectively a one-pedal car thanks to the regen — which makes slowing down for junctions without touching the brakes a fun game.
Because it’s small, the 500 is an EV that makes sense.
Until battery tech and charging infrastructure improve, EVs live their best lives as second cars, or city shuttles.
Heavy SUVs with pathetic ranges that cost north of £60k are not doing anyone any favours.
The 500 Electric offers plenty of choice.
There are two battery sizes, 24kWh and 42kWh, as well as the option of a retractable roof, and various special editions such as La Prima — decked out with an awesome JBL sound system approved by Andrea Bocelli.
Prices start at £28k. Sounds a lot, but not when compared to other EVs.
Even the battery-powered Corsa starts at £32,445.
The 500 Electric has the small EV market boxed off right now, but things will start hotting up soon.
We’ll see the Renault 5 and a longer-legged version of the Mini Cooper E next year.
But for now, the 500 Electric would get my money if I was to switch to electric.
I’d have it in black.
KEY FACTS: FIAT 500 ELECTRIC
Price: £31, 195
Engine: 42kWh
Power: 118hp
0-62mph: 9 secs
Top speed: 93mph
Range: 186 miles
CO2: 0g/km