Fiat 500 - Range, charging and running costs

There are two batteries offered in the Fiat 500. The first is a 24kWh unit with a maximum claimed range of 118 miles on the WLTP test cycle. However, in real-world conditions, you’re probably looking at nearer 100 miles, so you’ll have to decide if that limited range suits your lifestyle. 

Thankfully, the 500 is also available with a 42kWh battery that boosts the electric city car’s range up to a much more usable 193 miles. That’s a little further than the MINI Cooper E, the same as the entry-level Ora 03 Pure+, but a little short of the 44kWh Citroen e-C3.

When we tested the bigger-battery Fiat 500, we saw an estimated 168-mile range from a full charge with the Normal driving mode engaged. However, this figure climbed a little when switching to the more efficient Range mode and rose to over 180 miles using the Sherpa setting, which reduces the maximum available power and limits the top speed to 50mph.

During our three-way test between the 500 (and now defunct) Honda e and MINI Electric, the Fiat covered four miles per kWh – just ahead of the Honda at 3.8mi/kWh and the MINI at 3.6mi/kWh. 

As well as the extra range, 500s equipped with the larger battery can charge at up to 85kW, compared with the 24kWh model’s 50kW maximum charging speed. A 10 to 80 per cent top-up from a suitably fast charging point in either version will take around half an hour. Meanwhile, a standard 7.4kW home wallbox will take two and a half hours to fully recharge the 24kWh model’s battery, or over four hours if you get the larger battery.

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Insurance

Arranging insurance cover for an electric Fiat 500 shouldn’t prove to be too expensive, with the entry-level 24kWh version rated at group 16, while the 42kWh car is in group 17. It will cost a little more to insure a convertible 500C given that starts in group 21.

In comparison, the entry-level Ora 03 Pure+ and MG4 SE Standard Range start in group 27, while the least powerful MINI Cooper E is in group 20.

Depreciation

Residual values for the all-electric Fiat 500 aren't as strong as they once were. After a typical ownership period of three years and 36,000 miles, our latest data suggests the battery-powered 500 should retain around 31 to 33 per cent of its original sticker price. 

In comparison, an Ora 03 is predicted to maintain 37 per cent of its value, while the desirable electric MINI Cooper holds onto between 51 to 58 per cent over the same three-year period.

To get an accurate valuation on a specific model check out our valuation tool...