Fiat's New 500 is an electric delight for urban driving
It’s hard to understand why Fiat has taken quite so long to create the Fiat New 500, an all-new pure EV version of the classic retro-modern city car. The company created an electric version of the first-generation Fiat 500 back in 2013, the 500e, but it always felt like a compromise when compared with the brilliant simplicity of the conventional car.
In fact, the late Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne, once told an American conference that he’d prefer it if no one bought the 500e, as the cost of manufacturing the car meant Fiat lost around $14,000 per unit.
The days when CEOs could complain loudly and vociferously about EV quotas and the legislated death of the combustion era are long gone. With so much at stake – economically as well as environmentally – the case for electric vehicles has never been stronger.
This is particularly true in the 500’s segment, the compact urban/suburban car. We recently raved about the new Honda e, which effectively stole the soul and thunder from the original Fiat 500 by being friendly, small and exceptionally well put together.
As Marchionne discovered to his cost, there was no efficient way of electrifying the award-winning design of the original, based on Roberto Giolito’s 2004 Fiat Trepiùno concept, and subsequently shaped for production by a team led by Frank Stephenson. Fiat took the overall shape of the 1950s-era Fiat 500 and inflated it to accommodate modern mechanicals and safety legislation. The car had a mild facelift in 2016 and continues in production today.
Fiat New 500 EV: zippy in the city
The New 500 exists alongside its conventionally powered older sibling. It is a tad larger in every direction, but also sleeker, with some finely wrought graphic and trim details. With an official range of 199 miles, and even more promised if you stick to short urban hops, it doesn’t quite fall into the category of a ‘fill and forget’, range anxiety-free vehicle, but it comes pretty close and will certainly take you further than the Honda e, or its other close competitor, VW’s e-Up!.
The Fiat is pretty delightful to drive, in the way that only small cars can be; zippy acceleration, plenty of space on the road and good visibility. Interior tech and trim is a strong point, especially in the top of the range ‘Icon’ edition. On the basic models you’ll be using your own smartphone for navigation and entertainment, but the New 500 Icon adds a 10.25in widescreen display.
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
There are other self-conscious design quirks, like the push-button door openers and the little musical phrase you get when you switch the car off. It sounds suspiciously like Italian circus music, a musical cue to have a cute and surprising day?
Fiat’s New 500 perhaps has more in common with the 1950s original than its retro forebear. For a start, it’s Italian built (with a little ‘Made in Torino’ graphic to bolster its cred), unlike the Polish-made ICE 500. That car has its engine up front, in contrast to the original’s tiny rear-mounted two-cylinder unit. Of course, the New 500 can do away with all these oily bits altogether, hence the smooth, stubby front end treatment makes a lot more sense. There’s even a cabrio version – at time of writing the only electric open-topped car you can buy.
The New 500 might not take any giant design or technological steps forward, but it plays to the established strengths of a modern classic and delivers just the right mix of delight and function.
INFORMATION
Fiat New 500 Icon, £27,995
Jonathan Bell has written for Wallpaper* magazine since 1999, covering everything from architecture and transport design to books, tech and graphic design. He is now the magazine’s Transport and Technology Editor. Jonathan has written and edited 15 books, including Concept Car Design, 21st Century House, and The New Modern House. He is also the host of Wallpaper’s first podcast.
-
Molly Goddard on creating a community of contemporary brides
As new Molly Goddard bridal wear is released, the designer talks about creating romantic but real wedding dresses, while three recent brides tell the stories behind their own Goddard gowns
By Jack Moss Published
-
Palazzo Roma embodies the heritage of Roman noblesse
Palazzo Roma, part of the Shedir Collection, boasts eclectic and eccentric interiors by Giampiero Panepinto
By Luke Abrahams Published
-
Boise Passive House’s bold gestures support an environmentally friendly design
Boise Passive House by Haas Architecture combines sleek, contemporary design and environmental efficiency
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
New Rivian R2 and R3 downsize a format to increase the EV company’s standings
The Californian manufacturer has revealed the new Rivian R2 and R3, all-electric SUVs that combine practicality with functional elegance
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Fiat 600e: la dolce vita extended and enhanced
The sophisticated new electric Fiat 600e sees the marque finally overcome its growing pains
By Guy Bird Published
-
Restomod Italian cars: Lancia, Alfa Romeo, Fiat and more classics reborn for modern roads
In the world of restomod Italian cars, everything from 1960s race cars to cult city vehicles can be restored, reshaped and updated for modern driving and fastidious collectors
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Microcar madness: three new ultra-compact electric city cars
These two-seater electric microcars are the ultimate errand machines, designed for short hops and small spaces, all with a minimal footprint
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
24 transportation design innovations for 2024
From electric cars to new airports and sports boats, here’s a non-exhaustive list of 24 of the most interesting transportation design innovations to expect in the coming year
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Year in review: top 10 transport design stories of 2023, selected by Wallpaper’s Jonathan Bell
Jonathan Bell’s top 10 transport design stories of 2023 span from electric campers and microcars to flying yachts and classic car recreations
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Year in review: the top 10 cars of 2023, as selected by Wallpaper’s Jonathan Bell
What were the best four-wheeled offerings of 2023? Transport editor Jonathan Bell takes us through the year’s most intriguing automobiles
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Morgan Motor Company reveals its new all-electric prototype
The Morgan XP-1 is the British manufacturer’s latest attempt at electrifying its iconic hand-crafted lightweight sports machines
By Jonathan Bell Published