Fiat NZ to launch 500e early next year

With a range of 320km of driving range, it can charge to 80 percent in 35 mins. Photo: Fiat

New Zealand’s electric fleet is ever-expanding with a small but well-recognised Fiat 500e hitting our roads early next year.

Pricing starts from $59,990 plus the full clean car rebate of $8,625 available, the 500e’s battery-electric powertrain produces 87 kW/118 horsepower and a peak torque output of 220Nn.

With a range of 320km of driving range (WLTP cycle), it can charge to 80 percent in 35 mins.

Fiat New Zealand Marketing Manager, Sarah Williams, says “since launching globally the demand to bring the 500e to New Zealand has been incredibly strong”. 

“The Fiat 500e  embodies the distinctive Fiat Cinquecento look and now offers unmistakable electric styling and driveability that we know New Zealanders will love. We are excited to finally bring the  new sustainable phase of the Fiat brand to NZ.”  

The 500e is 56mm wider and 61mm longer than the petrol 500, making for a  roomier interior. The round instrument hood invokes the typical 500 style, while the 7’’ TFT  full digital cluster fills it with colour and technology. In a true nod to its more sustainable nature,  the 500e interior includes features made with marine plastic, a raw material made from marine litter.  

The 500e is available in two variants. The Pop, priced from $59,990, features a plethora of safety, comfort and convenience features as standard including attention assist, lane control,  AEB, L2 autonomous driving, traffic sign recognition, heated seats, keyless entry-and-go, rear sensors and rear-view camera.  

The 500e Icon, priced from $64,990, also features a fixed glass roof, and a more premium interior including ice-beige, FIAT eco-leather trim, and premium dashboard accents.  

Exterior enhancements include chrome exterior accents, infinity LED headlights and impressive 17” diamond-cut alloy wheels. 360 parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise with lane centring, and traffic jam assist to round out the additional Icon offering.  

For those after something a little sportier, we can expect to see the newly launched Abarth 500e  in New Zealand later in 2023 with more details to be confirmed closer to launch.  

With two all-electric offerings coming next year, Fia is moving towards the goal of being 100 percent electric in NZ in 2024.