The Fiat 500 Electric Hatchback: A Complete Guide For India

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Electric Cars: The Basics

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For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:

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The Fiat 500 Electric Hatchback

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Fiat Automobile S.p.A. is a subsidiary the Netherlands based Stellantis N.V., which was formed by the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (Italian/ American) and Groupe PSA (French). You may not be familiar with these names, but the automotive brands in the portfolio would be well known to most consumers. These include: Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Jeep, Vauxhall, Alfa Romeo etc.

The Fiat 500 electric car has its roots in the classic 1957 Fiat 500, a car that has been hugely successful and iconic (sold more than 2 million cars globally). The Fiat New 500 EV is bigger than the internal combustion engine (ICE) car: 6 cm in width and length, 22mm longer wheelbase. The EV is available as a hatchback and a convertible.

The pure electric car is well suited for those individuals and families living in towns and cities seeking an environmentally-friendly solution for daily commutes. Like the pure electric Honda e, the Fiat 500 EV is primarily positioned for urban driving, with the flexibility of ample electric range for longer motorway commutes.

The Fiat electric car is available in two EV battery sizes: 24 kWh and 42 kWh. The 24 kWh battery has a zero-emission electric range up to 190 km, while the larger 42 kWh offers a range up to 320 km (WLTP). Of course these will need to be adjusted for real-world driving conditions, but expect the 24 kWh to be able to deliver 160 km and the 42 kWh to deliver 270 km.

Either way, both variants have much to offer depending on the needs of the family. For those that drive mostly shorter distances for day-to-day commutes, the 24 kWh battery option is more suitable. Do keep in mind that the majority of individuals drive no more than 50 km a day. This should not come as a surprise, given the short distances to cover for the local grocery store, school-run, work, high street etc.

For those that expect to drive longer distances on a regular basis, the 42 kWh option will prove more useful. Both variants benefit from DC charging capability. The 24 kWh variant can be charged up to 50 kW DC (0%-80%: 30 mins), while the 42 kWh can be charged up to 85 kW DC (0%-80%: 35 mins).

Both variants incorporate a 11 kW AC (3-phase) onboard charger. For those with access to three-phase charging at home or the workplace, the 24 kW battery can be full charged in 2 hours and 30 minutes, while the 42 kWh EV battery can be fully charged in 4 hours and 15 minutes. Do keep in mind that most homes in India are powered by a single-phase power supply (7.4 kW), resulting in longer charging times.

Though the Fiat pure electric car can be charged via a domestic 3-PIN socket, we at e-zoomed discourage the use of a domestic socket to charge an electric car. It would take up to 8 hours and 45 minutes to charge the 24 kWh EV battery and up to 15 hours and 15 minutes to charge the 42 kWh battery. We encourage charging an electric car using a dedicated EV home charging station like easee.

The Fiat electric car does not disappoint in terms of its exterior iconic appeal and its interior is just as appealing. The electric hatchback includes a host of features: intelligent adaptive cruise control, urban blind spot, drone view (360° parking sensors), rear view parking camera, autonomous emergency braking, traffic sign recognition and speed advisor, attention assist, lane keep assist, emergency call and more. The EV also offers a 10.25″ infotainment display and compatibility with Apple Car Play and Android Auto.

In terms of practicality, for urban driving, its compact size and turning circle are certainly useful. However, the rear seats are a tight squeeze and the boot space limited to 185 L.

Despite the additional weight of the EV battery(294.3 kg), the front-wheel drive Fiat 500 e can achieve 0-100 km/h in 9 seconds for the 42 kWh variant. The maximum power is up to 118 hp (220 Nm) and a 150 km/h top speed. The 24 kWh variant is just a little slower: 0-100 km/h in 9.5 seconds.

Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet! The Fiat 500e electric car is not available in India.

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PROS	CONS
DC charging up to 85 kW	Rear seats with limited headroom and legroom
Available in two EV battery sizes	Not practical for a larger family
11 kW onboard charger as standard	Small boot space (185 L)

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The All-Electric Fiat 500 Hatchback (credit: Fiat)

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At A Glance
EV Type:	Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV)
Body Type:	Hatchback
Engine Options:	Electric
Available In India:	No

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Trims (1 Option)
Fiat 500e (Rs N/A)

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EV Battery & Emissions
EV Battery Type:	Lithium-ion
EV Battery Capacity:	Available in two sizes: 24 kWh/ 42 kWh
Charging:	Up to 85 kW DC Fast Charging. Onboard charger 11 kW AC
EV Cable Type:	Type 2
Tailpipe Emissions:	0g (CO2/km)
Battery Warranty:	8 years or 160,000 km

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Charging Times (Overview)
Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW):	6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC)
Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW):	3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging AC (43 kW):	0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging DC (50 kW+):	0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+):	0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW):	0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)

• Note 1: SoC: state of charge

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Dimensions
Height (mm):	1527
Width (mm):	1900
Length (mm):	3632
Wheelbase (mm):	2322
Turning Circle (m):	9.3
Boot Space (L):	185

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Model: 70 kW 93hp
EV Battery Capacity:	24 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):	190 km
Electric Consumption (kWh/100km):	13.0
Charging:	50 kW DC Fast Charging (0%-80%: 30 mins). 11 kW AC onboard charger (0%-100%: 2 hrs 30 mins)
Top Speed:	135 km/h
0-100 km/h:	9.5 seconds
Drive:	Front-wheel drive (FWD)
Electric Motor (kW):	70
Max Power (hp):	93
Torque (Nm):	220
Transmission:	Automatic
Seats:	4
Doors:	3
Kerb Weight (kg):	1,365
Colours:	8
NCAP Safety Rating:	Four-Star

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Model: 87 KW 118HP
EV Battery Capacity:	42 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):	320 km
Electric Consumption (kWh/100km):	13.6
Charging:	85 kW DC Fast Charging (0%-80%: 35 mins). 11 kW AC onboard charger (0%-100%: 4 hrs 15 mins)
Top Speed:	150 km/h
0-100 km/h:	9 seconds
Drive:	Front-wheel drive (FWD)
Electric Motor (kW):	87
Max Power (hp):	118
Torque (Nm):	220
Transmission:	Automatic
Seats:	4
Doors:	3
Kerb Weight (kg):	1,365
Colours:	8
NCAP Safety Rating:	Four-Star

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India Electric Vehicle (EV) Market

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India, like many other countries, is well positioned to benefit from the shift to zero-tailpipe emission electric driving. Road transportation is a major contributor to air pollution (over 30%), choking our towns, cities and villages across India. Diesel vehicles, in particular, diesel trucks and diesel buses, are significant sources for tailpipe emissions.

But given the rise in the standard of living, since liberalisation, the demand for privately owned passenger cars has increased at an unprecedented pace, further worsening the air quality. India has more than 3 crores (30 million) cars releasing tailpipe emissions on its roads!

Though we have seen some improvements in air quality during the ongoing pandemic (as a result of lower vehicle traffic), India’s shift to electric driving will be key in achieving long-term higher air quality. Of course, apart from EVs, the continued development of green and renewable energy infrastructure will be key in achieving lower long-term air pollution. India has already demonstrated global leadership in regards to large-scale solar and wind projects! Hopefully, India will replicate the success with zero-emission electric vehicles.

Despite recent announcements and support from local and national government agencies in India, the EV market is still at a nascent stage, well, at least in terms of electric cars and electric vans. Two-wheel electric scooters and three-wheel electric rickshaws (e-rickshaws) have demonstrated a strong uptake, and India is poised to become a global leader in electric scooters and electric rickshaws (e-tuk).

In fact, the ubiquitous e-rickshaw commands an impressive 83% of the Indian electric vehicle market. India currently has over 15 lakhs (1.5 million) e-rickshaws, with each EV playing a role in reducing tailpipe emissions on our roads in India.

Sales of passenger electric cars is still at an early stage. In FY2021, though the market witnessed a growth of nearly 110% from the previous year, the absolute volume of cars sold was only 5,905 electric cars. Currently there are less that 15 pure electric car models available on sale in India.

Tata Motors, the biggest automotive manufacturer in India has launched the Tata Nexon electric SUV. Mahindra Electric, another leading Indian automotive manufacturer, has also launched a number of plug-in electric vehicles (EVs), to include, the Mahindra eVerito electric car, Mahindra eSupro electric van and Mahindra e2o Plus compact electric car.

International manufacturers, like UK based MG Motors, have also launched the MG ZS electric SUV in India. Also available are the all-electric Jaguar I-PACE SUV and the Hyundai Kona electric SUV.

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Types Of Electric Vehicles (EVs)

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“Electric vehicle” is an umbrella term, and a broad one at that. There are a number of different types of electric vehicles (EVs), each with its distinct characteristics and advantages. These include:

• BEVs: Battery-electric vehicles (pure electric)
• PHEVs: Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (electric and internal combustion engine (ICE) combined)
• MHEVs: Mild hybrid electric vehicles (internal combustion engine (gasoline or diesel) along with regenerative braking)
• FCEVs: Fuel cell electric vehicle (electric with hydrogen as fuel)

The above “types” are powered either entirely or partially by electric energy and have different environmental impacts.

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Battery-Electric Vehicles (BEVs)

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Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), also known as pure electric vehicles, are powered entirely by electricity (i.e. the vehicle does not have a conventional internal combustion engine). BEVs have zero-tailpipe emissions and help improve local air quality.

BEVs are also very economical to drive. A BEV can cost as little as Rs 50 per 100 kilometres to drive. Examples of best-selling EVs include, the all-electric Tesla Model 3 and the all-electric Renault Zoe. A BEV is charged by plugging in the electric vehicle to a dedicated electric car charging station (home or public charging stations). BEVs are well suited for those living in towns, cities and urban centres. Of course, battery-electric vehicles are also suitable for those living in rural settings.

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Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)

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Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) differ from battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), in that, PHEVs use both a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric engine for propulsion. Plug-in hybrid vehicles combine the advantages of electric driving and internal combustion engine driving.

On shorter distances, the PHEV uses the electric mode to drive emission-free, using the on-board EV battery and regenerative braking. For longer distances, the plug-in hybrid electric vehicles switches to using the internal combustion engine. With a PHEV, the vehicle can cost as little Rs 50 per 100 kilometres to drive on e-mode, without any tailpipe pollution, and also be driven long-distances, without the fear of range anxiety!

Most PHEVs have an EV battery of up to 15 kWh and can achieve a zero-emission electric range of up to 50 kilometres. No wonder PHEVs are fast becoming popular globally, with much potential or India. Like a BEV, the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is charged by using an external power source (EV charging point) for charging.

PHEVs are suitable for those that drive long-distances on a regular basis but want to lower the negative environmental impact from tailpipe pollution. PHEVs are also suitable for those individuals and families that are seeking to save money by taking advantage of electric driving. The Volvo XC40 PHEV and the Volkswagen Golf 8 are good examples of PHEVs.

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Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MHEVs)

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Mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEVs) are a limited form of electric driving. These vehicles also use hybrid technologies (electric driving and internal combustion engine), but the EV battery is much smaller than a BEV or PHEV. Moreover, in a mild hybrid, the EV battery cannot be charged via an external source (i.e. EV charging station). In a MHEV, the battery is charged by capturing the energy released during braking, a process known as regenerative braking. MHEVs have lower tailpipe emissions, and are more economical to own, run and maintain than petrol and diesel cars.

MHEVs are a better option than a petrol or diesel car, but not as good an option as a BEV or PHEV. Mild hybrids are well suited for those living in regions with limited charging infrastructure. Again, MHEVs have great potential in India, given the limited public EV charging infrastructure.

The Toyota Prius is a good example of a mild hybrid electric vehicle.

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Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs)

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Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) also called hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, have a fuel cell stack that uses hydrogen to generate the electricity needed to power the electric vehicle. The fuel cell generates electricity and pure water vapour that can escape via the tailpipe. It is capable of generating electricity as long as there is a steady supply of hydrogen. Fuel cell electric vehicles can be refuelled with hydrogen at purpose built filling stations. Filling an FEC takes no more than five minutes.

FCEVs have a range of about 500 kilometers or more between refueling. Today, the only and major limitation is the very limited hydrogen refuelling station network globally. The Toyota Mirai FCEV is a good example of this type of EV.

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While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.

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