Is the Fiat 500e a reliable car?
The Fiat 500e is a fresh take on an icon – but is it reliable?
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Fiat 500e reliability is likely one of the main things you’ll think about before buying – especially if you’re new to electric cars.
The long and short of it is that electric vehicles (EVs) are generally very reliable because there’s less to go wrong than in petrol or diesel cars.
EVs like the Fiat 500e also often get a lengthy battery warranty, which is always a bonus.
So, is the Fiat 500e reliable? We give you the details in our guide.
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Fiat 500 reliability
Since it’s a new model, Fiat 500e reliability isn’t the easiest to gauge, but so far, so good. The 500e scores well on reliability surveys and reviews are overwhelmingly positive.
Its drivers love it for daily driving but do say the quality feels like the Fiat 500 – so, not as luxurious as some pricier models.
The 500e also comes with an eight-year or 100,000-mile warranty, so that should put your mind at ease.
Engine
Electric cars like the Fiat 500e don't technically have 'engines' like a petrol or diesel car. Instead, they have a battery and electric motor (sometimes multiple motors).
There are fewer moving parts in an EV setup compared to an internal combustion engine (ICE) car, so that's great for reliability – less to go wrong.
The entry-level 500e gets a 92hp electric motor with a 24kWh battery pack. There's also a more powerful 114hp option, which comes with a 42kWh battery.
The 24kWh battery is a reliable little runner to nip around the city, but the 42kWh model is the best pick for eating up the miles with a 199-mile range.
It feels easy and comfortable to drive and is massively cheap to charge up, and there are no major complaints around engine reliability in the forums or reviews.
Safety
Safety can be a good indicator of reliability because it often speaks to the build quality of a car, and the 500e scored a reasonable four-star Euro NCAP rating in 2021.
It was given solid occupancy ratings (76% for adults and 80% for children) and features plenty of safety tech, including a system that monitors how awake you are at the wheel and automatic braking.
Interior
If there is one complaint that comes up about the Fiat 500e reliability, some say the interior doesn’t feel super luxurious when it comes to quality.
It looks stunning but some motorists have said it doesn’t quite measure up to premium EVs – which doesn’t seem that surprising when you consider the price difference between the 500e and those luxury cars.
The interior does, however, make up for this with a whole load of features. There’s a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, wireless smartphone charging, and heated seats and windscreen.
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Fiat 500e compared to rivals
So, we know the Fiat 500e is a reliable small electric car, but how does it compare to similar models?
Renault ZOE
The Renault Zoe is one of the best picks for a used electric car and has been around for some time.
We know that electric cars are typically more reliable than their fuel-powered friends, and the Zoe is a great example of this.
It does, however, carry the burden of a zero-star Euro NCAP safety rating from 2021, even though the 2013 model scored the full five before Euro NCAP updated its regulations.
Volkswagen e-up!
The VW e-up! Is perhaps one of the best alternatives to the 500e – they're both really similar.
Like the entry-level 500e, the e-up! is best suited for drivers making short trips around town thanks to its 159-mile range.
It was awarded a three-star Euro NCAP rating – so, better than the latest Zoe, but not quite as good as the 500e.
Peugeot e-208
The Peugeot e-208 rivals the 500e but is likely better suited to those that want something a bit bigger, in between a city car and a small hatchback
Reliability reviews are positive, with drivers saying they love the premium feel and high-quality build.
It does seem like it could stand up to more wear and tear than the dainty 500e, so would make for a reliable family car.
What to look out for when buying a Fiat 500e
If you’re sold on the Fiat 500e, there are a few things to look for when buying a used electric car to make sure it’s reliable.
Give it the typical checks – you might not be able to check the engine oil, but still look at the brakes, tyres, etc.
Check your charging – see if you can have a wall box charger, whether you can access a three-pin plug, and look at local charging points
Maintenance – electric cars still need an MOT and servicing, so check for any records
Battery – is it still in warranty? EV batteries (like the 500e’s) typically come with an eight-year or 100,000-mile warranty