General Electric Fiat 500e - would you recommend it?

[junee]

Hi. I'm looking for my next car and would like to go electric.
Currently I have a 20 year old Toyota Aygo, looking for something small and doesn't have to be powerful.
I like the look of the Fiat 500e, I just have one concern though - I have heard from several sources that it can have squeaky brakes at low speed, and I saw/heard one a week ago that had that issue (sounded awful!).
Is this common ie will I definitely have this "feature" if I get this model of car?
As if yes, then I will be looking for something else .
Thanks in advance for any advice given.

 

[gazz_bee]

Hi, I've had two 500e as daily drivers and neither has had squeaky brakes. I suspect any brake noise comes from a lack of use rather than any inherent mechanical issues. I've driven loads of EVs and would recommend the 500e, like any EV, providing you are comfortable with the charging aspect of ownership. There are two battery sizes and would suggest the larger capacity (42kWh) which has a realistic 160 mile range. I would also look very carefully at specifications as Fiat have chopped and changed what standard equipment comes with each model in the range (an Icon from 2021 isn't kitted out the same as one from 2024).

I presume you are only considering EVs (Toyota Aygo goes hybrid next year) but you don't say if you're looking at new or used. If the latter, there isn't much in the EV world at the same size as the 500e as a comparison. If the former, the Hyundai Inster is also worth a look at.

 

[junee]

Thank you, that's great to know. I'm looking for used, and full electric - have just had a charger installed at my house. I would opt for the larger battery version, probably the Icon.

 

[IanML]

I agree that squeaky brakes arise because they are so little used, especially with one-pedal driving, and the disk surface will exhibit light corrosion first thing. Once ii is rubbed off, the issue is gone.

 

[junee]

also good to know, thank you!

 

[Markoboy]

I've had mine since May of 2023 and mechanically everything has been excellent. Have had no need to take it into a shop yet!

 

[junee]

I've had mine since May of 2023 and mechanically everything has been excellent. Have had no need to take it into a shop yet!

Good to know thanks. I have put a deposit on one and am awaiting the dealer getting it ready to take ownership, I'm hoping this week. I've signed up for a 2 year warranty (it's 3 years old and only done 8000 miles) but am wondering whether it is really needed. First electric car for me so brave new world.

 

[IanML]

Good to know thanks. I have put a deposit on one and am awaiting the dealer getting it ready to take ownership, I'm hoping this week. I've signed up for a 2 year warranty (it's 3 years old and only done 8000 miles) but am wondering whether it is really needed. First electric car for me so brave new world.

The thing about EVs is that the spares for the electrical systems are large assemblies and come at high prices. The industry is not yet, in general, set up to do detailed repair on those assemblies, so you are largely bound to employ the expensive spares. Plus the expertise to diagnose is very thinly spread, so the warranty is very prudent.

 

[junee]

UPDATE - I'm now the proud owner of a Fiat 500e Icon 42 kWh (2022 plate).
Still working things out on it, will go through the manual at the weekend, but all good so far