The Fiat 500e is a charming, low-cost way into the EV market

At under $40K, the Fiat 500e is the cheapest EV in the country – and it doesn’t feel like a compromise

The Fiat 500e is not luxurious – but it’s fun, functional and full of charm.

Interview requests

The Fiat 500e has all the cuteness and retro charm of earlier models—and it’s now a fully electric, budget-friendly option for Canadians.

With a list price of $39,995, the 500e is currently the least expensive electric car available in Canada. That’s significantly less than another retro-inspired EV, the MINI Cooper SE, which starts at $63,504. While the MINI offers more in terms of luxury and advanced features, for buyers looking for a simple and affordable way to enter the EV world, the Fiat 500e stands out.

The model tested came in at $39,995, with a $100 federal air conditioning tax and a $2,095 destination charge, bringing the total to $42,190.

Originally launched in 1957, the Fiat 500 quickly became an icon, competing with the Volkswagen Beetle and selling nearly four million units before being discontinued in 1975. It was revived in 2007, and the latest version retains the friendly, approachable design that made the original so popular.

The 500e is compact—just 3,632 mm long with a 2,322 mm wheelbase—making it even shorter than a Mazda Miata. Its tiny footprint makes it ideal for urban driving, allowing for quick manoeuvring and effortless parallel parking.

Inside, the styling is fun and expressive. While it’s clear this is a budget car, Fiat cleverly avoids a barebones feel. A bright red trim panel spans the dash, red accents outline the seats, and a light grey headliner helps brighten the cabin and give it a more open feeling. The materials are simple, but the design is cheerful and cohesive.

Still, this is basic transportation. Some features that are commonplace in modern vehicles are missing here. For instance, seat adjustments are done manually using a metal bar under the front seat—no powered seats or seat massagers. There’s no sunroof option, and storage is minimal, with just one cupholder in the front and one in the back.

Where the 500e surprises is in how well thought-out the driver interface is. The push-button transmission, located centrally on the dash, is intuitive and responsive. The climate and media controls are located below the navigation screen and are easy to operate, even while driving. The steering wheel layout is particularly clever: cruise control and display menu buttons are on the front, while volume and tuning controls are placed on the rear—volume on the right, tuning on the left. This keeps the wheel uncluttered without sacrificing functionality.

The front seats are heated, supportive, and provide plenty of headroom. Despite its small footprint, the 500e feels roomy for the driver and front passenger, with a comfortable and upright driving position. It’s genuinely fun to drive—responsive, nimble, and ideal for darting around city streets.

Rear-seat space is another story. At six feet tall, I found it tight when sitting in the back. It’s fine for short trips, but anyone spending more than a few minutes back there will likely feel cramped. As expected, cargo space is limited, but the rear seats fold down to expand usable storage, making it a viable choice for one or two people needing occasional trunk room.

Under the hood, the 500e runs on a 42 kWh battery that produces 118 horsepower. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.7 seconds and drives the front wheels. Range is estimated at 240 km—modest compared to other EVs, but adequate for daily urban driving.

In recognition of its practicality and eco-friendly design, the 500e was named Green Car Journal’s Urban Green Car of the Year for the second year in a row.

Our Verdict

The Fiat 500e isn’t trying to be everything to everyone, and that’s its strength. It delivers quirky charm, essential features, and an engaging city-driving experience at a price point no other EV in Canada currently matches. While the range and interior space may not suit every lifestyle, for urban drivers looking for an affordable and distinctive electric vehicle, the 500e is a smart and stylish choice.

Dale Johnson is an award-winning author, broadcaster and journalist who has worked in TV, radio, print and online. While the manufacturer provided Dale with a vehicle to test drive, the content of this review was not reviewed or accepted by the manufacturer.