Fast charging and the Fiat 500e
Does the Fiat 500e have fast charging? Find out in our guide
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The Fiat 500e is an all-electric take on one of the UK’s favourite small cars.
If you love the cute styling of the classic 500, the 500e gets rid of fuel costs and adds some fresh design touches that make it the perfect modern supermini.
But how long does it take to charge a Fiat 500e? And does the Fiat 500e have fast charging?
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What is fast charging?
When we say, ‘fast charging’, we’re talking about rapid AC units that charge electric vehicle (EV) batteries at speeds of typically 43kW to 150kW (and sometimes above).
You’ll usually find them in public car parks and service stations.
For example, a 50kW fast charger can take a 500e from 20% to 80% battery in just 40 minutes.
To compare, a typical three-pin plug charger will get up to 3kW, or you can get up to 22kW from a wall box charger, with the latter boosting the 500e from 20% to 80% in four hours.
You’ll find that almost all modern cars can go up to 50kW charging, with the most high-tech EVs reaching speeds of over 300kW (and many sitting between 100-200kW).
But where does the Fiat 500e fall?
Does the Fiat 500e have fast charging?
Fiat 500e models can be given a quick boost with fast charging.
To rapid charge an electric car it needs to have CCS or CHAdeMO connector – and the 500e has CCS.
Fast charging shouldn’t be your main type of charge for your 500e, though. Slow charging is much better for overall EV battery health.
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How to charge the Fiat 500e
The Fiat 500e is easy to charge up. You’ll first need to find the connector location on the right-rear side of the car.
It will depend on the charging point you’re using, but for the most part you’ll simply need to plug in. Sometimes there’ll be an app or card to use at a charging point.
Not all charging points have cables to use, so it’s a good idea to get in the habit of taking your own out and about with you.
It’s easy to store charging cables in a Fiat 500e, as there’s a 185-litre boot at the rear.
Fiat 500e charging cables
The Fiat 500e uses a CCS Type 2 connector, so you’ll need to use a matching charging cable.
CCS connectors are always combined with a Type 1 or Type 2 socket, with Type 2 being the norm in the UK. Type 1 connectors are now much rarer.
Early Fiat 500e models used a Type 1 connector, so make sure you check the age of your car to match the connector type.
How long does a Fiat 500e take to charge?
Fiat 500e charging times depend on the method you’re using, so you’ll need to use a compatible cable.
Approximate Fiat 500e 42kWh empty to full charge times:
3-pin plug home charger – 19 hours
3.6kW - 12 hours
7kW – 6 hours
22kW – 4 hours
50kW – 30 minutes (20 to 80% charge)
The Fiat 500e can achieve a mile range of up to 199 miles on a full charge.
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Tips for 500e charging
While it’s nice to skip the petrol station queue, you do still have to wait for your EV car to charge up – and there are a few other things to consider.
We’ve got a few tips for charging your Fiat 500e:
Leave your 500e plugged in overnight if it needs a full charge
Get to know your 500e and understand the charging times and mile range
Download any EV charging apps for your own and local charging points
Drive efficiently to preserve mile range (e.g. smooth acceleration/braking and avoid the air-con if you can)
Make use of free charging points (although these are becoming less common)
Can you persuade your boss to install a charging point at your workplace?
Plan ahead and know where your charging points are on road trips
Read our guide on busting EV charging myths