The 2018 Fiat 500e gets 112 MPGe combined, offering drivers a good reason to look past its small size and limited range. This high number makes this stylish city car a surprisingly practical choice for commutes mostly within the city.

City and highway performance

The 500e performs best in the city. The EPA estimates 121 MPGe in city driving, which reflects the benefits of regenerative braking and the electric motor’s instant torque. Stop-and-go traffic becomes an opportunity to regain energy, maximizing range. On the highway, the MPGe drops to 103. This difference shows the aerodynamic limits of the 500e’s shape and the increased energy needed to maintain higher speeds. Drivers who mainly commute on interstates will likely see their real-world MPGe closer to the lower end.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Fiat 500e at $650. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average electricity prices. Remember that this is an average. Your electricity costs, driving habits, and climate will all affect your actual costs. If you live in areas with cheaper electricity or can charge during off-peak hours, you might lower your costs further. Colder climates can reduce battery efficiency, possibly increasing your annual cost. Even so, the $650 figure shows the potential for significant savings compared to gasoline cars, especially since even fuel-efficient gas cars struggle to match the 500e’s running costs.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a useful guide, but real-world MPGe and range depend greatly on driving style, weather, and terrain. Fast acceleration, regular air conditioning, and hills will reduce the 500e’s performance. Gentle driving, effective regenerative braking, and pre-heating or cooling the cabin while plugged in can extend the range. Owners say that achieving the EPA-estimated range of 84 miles is possible with careful driving. Expect a shorter range in less ideal conditions. Understanding these factors is key to getting the most out of an electric vehicle like the 500e.

How it compares

The 2018 Fiat 500e beats many gasoline competitors in fuel costs. A similar gasoline Fiat 500 gets about 31 MPG combined. This gives you significant savings at the pump. Compared to other electric vehicles, the 500e performs as expected for its segment. A Chevrolet Bolt, which is similarly sized, gets about 119 MPGe combined. However, the Bolt costs more and has a much longer range. The Nissan LEAF, another popular EV, is closer to 111 MPGe combined, plus it offers more interior space and driving range. These comparisons highlight the 500e’s advantage in cities, where its small size and high MPGe make it appealing. See all Fiat fuel economy data for a larger picture of their entire model lineup.

Tips to maximize efficiency

To get the most of the 500e’s efficiency, drive smoothly and predictably. Avoid quick starts and stops, and anticipate traffic to reduce wasted energy. The 500e’s regenerative braking system captures kinetic energy when slowing down. It converts it to electricity and puts it back into the battery.

Pre-heating or cooling the cabin while the 500e is plugged in also helps. Warming or cooling the interior using grid power, instead of using the battery, saves range, especially in extreme weather. Most 500e owners charge overnight, when electricity is usually cheapest.

Tire pressure is very important for fuel efficiency. Keep your tires inflated to the correct pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which hurts your MPGe. Check your tire pressure often, especially when the temperature changes.

Finally, think about the weight you’re carrying. Removing extra items from the car reduces the load on the electric motor, improving efficiency. Even if it seems small, every pound matters when maximizing range. For more specific model info, check out 500E MPG across all years.