2017 Fiat 500E Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?
What’s New for 2017
Not much has changed for the 500e in 2017. This is the fifth year for the all-electric model. It can be hard to tell it apart from it's previous versions, or its gas-powered sibling. Fiat gave the 500e a new infotainment system last year. Outside of that, there's nothing new here except for a few exterior-color options.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2017 Fiat 500E – The Pros
1. Unique Italian Style That's Sure To Turn Heads
Mini-cars are still not seen on the road as often as other vehicle types. Any sporty, mini-car is sure to get some attention. The 2017 Fiat 500E adds an unmistakable European style and flair to the mini-car genre. This year's model comes in an assortment of sharp colors. There's also a sport-trim package that features orange trim and highlights. There are enough options so that you can get a Fiat that's unique.
2. Save Money On Fuel
This is one of the best reasons to go electric. Eliminating the cost of gasoline from your budget can save you a lot of money. Electricity is also a domestic resource. This means you will contribute to energy independence while saving money.
3. Sporty And Fun To Drive
The 2017 Fiat 500E has a lot of pep. The electric engine provides 111 hp with 147 lb-ft of torque. The Fiat is a front-wheel drive vehicle. It can reach 60 mph in just 8.4 seconds. This is faster than the Fiat 500 gas model. The fast starting and stopping in such a small car make it a joy to drive.
4. Quiet, Smooth Performance and Balanced Road-Holding
Eletric motors are known for quiet, smooth performance. The Fiat 500e is no exception. The engine is so quiet that you'll barely notice it running. This also leads to less noise in general during your commute. Acceleration and braking are smooth and feel great. The Fiat holds the road nicely while taking tight curves, even at higher speeds.
5. Very Affordable Transportation
The cost of the 2017 Fiat 500E is on the low-end of the spectrum for mini-cars. It's on the low-end for all electric cars as well. It has one of the best price tags in its category. Coupled with the great fuel savings, this is an economic vehicle to purchase and maintain.
6. It's easy To Park And Maneuver
This is perhaps the best perk of owning a mini-car. You can almost always find a parking space. Parallel parking in the city will never be easier than in the Fiat 500e. It takes up very little space in your garage, as well.
7. Can Be Easily Charged At Home
The Fiat can be easily charged at home with a regular outlet. Any 110v to 120v outlet will do. You can complete a full charge in under 24 hours. The speed and convenience of this option makes the Fiat a great choice.
8. Modern, High-Tech Entertainment And Info Systems
The 2017 Fiat 500E comes with a lot of nice standard features. It has an excellent sound system, Bluetooth connectivity Uconnect’s Integrated Voice Command. The radio has a 5 inch touchscreen interface. The 7-inch Thin Film Transistor display features easy-to-read graphics. Information on your battery charge, tire pressure and more are always available.
9. Excellent Safety Features
Safety features are important for such a small vehicle. The 2017 Fiat 500E features a steel safety frame and seven air-bags. There is a pedestrian warning system with distinct sounds that won't get ignored in loud, urban areas. A hill-start assist system is included in all models along with a stability control system.
10. It's Good For The Environment!
This is another excellent reason to purchase an electric vehicle. Zero emissions means no pollution or carbon footprint.
Reasons Not to Buy a 2017 Fiat 500E – The Cons
1. Only Good For Short-Distance Driving
This is the biggest downside to any vehicle with an electric motor. The range for the 2017 Fiat 500E is around 80 miles. It's a great little car for city driving or short-distance commutes. Just don't expect to use it for long drives and vacations.
2. Has Limited Availability
As of 2017, the 2017 Fiat 500E is only sold in California and Oregon. This will unfortunately out it out of reach of most U.S. consumers.
3. Cramped Back Seat And Limited Cargo Space
This is a car for one or two people at the most. The backseat is virtually useless unless you have small children. There's very little in the way of cargo space.
How It Stacks Up To The Competition
The Chevrolet Bolt EV may be a game changer for electric vehicles. The car boasts a range of 200 miles, more than double of what the Fiat offers. It is, however, a larger vehicle and it costs more too. If you prefer small, sporty and budget friendly, the Fiat still wins here.
The Nissan Leaf is still the world's best-selling electric car and for good reason. It's a solid performer with a reasonable price and a range of 100 miles. The range is a bit better than the Fiat, but it's a more expensive vehicle. It's two sizes bigger and may be a better choice for families, where the Fiat caters more to single owners.
Other choices to consider would be Ford Focus Electric and Volkswagen e-Golf. Both offer ranges of about 100 miles. They are all good vehicles, but the Fiat wins out again when it comes to price, performance and fun.
Conclusion
The 2017 Fiat 500E is not going to be the vehicle for everyone. If you do most of your driving in the city and don't need room for passengers and cargo, it's a solid choice. It's economical and environmentally friendly. It's also a blast to drive. If you're in the market for a mini-electric, it's highly recommended.
