Electric cars
Future or present? The Fiat perspective
In 2020, Fiat made a significant mark in urban mobility by launching the iconic 500e as a 100% electric model, aiming to revolutionise city transportation.
In July 2022 Fiat stopped selling petrol and diesel cars in the UK, with the whole Fiat car range offered purely in Hybrid or Fully Electric versions.
That should tell you just how strongly we believe in the UK’s switch to Driving Electric. Also demonstrated by the ‘Fiat e-Grant’, saving you £3,000 on a New Fiat 600e or 500e.
Heading towards an electric future
Electric cars used to be for the few, but now they’re relevant to all of us. Many countries recognise the benefits of electric vehicles and offer dedicated incentives to encourage their adoption. Electric cars operate using powerful and modern batteries, producing minimal noise, except for a sound that alerts pedestrians to their presence. Electric cars are categorised as Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) as they rely on rechargeable batteries charged via the public grid or private charging stations.
Charging times for electric vehicles do vary depending on the battery type, charging method, and battery capacity.
Electric cars: benefiting both you and the environment
Access to restricted zones
Electric vehicles enable you to enjoy easier access to many urban areas, subject to local regulations.
Lower energy costs
Electric vehicles can be more cost-effective than using conventional fuels, and can also be charged at home.
Easy to drive
Ideal for city driving, with smooth acceleration and the added simplicity of single-pedal operation.
Lower maintenance costs
Electric cars have simpler mechanics, with fewer components and fluids to replace.
Range
Get up to 199 miles of range in 500e and up to 254 miles in New Fiat 600e (WLTP combined cycle). Discover how to maximise your full- electric driving range.’
Factors affecting range
The speed factor
Speed is the main factor which impacts battery range. By driving smoothly and adhering to speed limits, you can avoid excessive energy use.
Driving habits matter
Eco-driving is key to maximizing the range of electric vehicles. Smooth acceleration and gentle braking reduce energy consumption, while the regenerative braking function adds charge as you drive. Combined, these good habits can increase range by 15%-20%.
Outside temperature
The weather can reduce range by up to 40%, depending on the level of heating or cooling required in the cabin. In the cold, pre-conditioning the cabin temperature using the MY FIAT APP whilst the car is still plugged in is an effective way to improve range.
Charging costs and times
The charging time for electric car batteries depends on battery capacity, charging power (kw), and the vehicle charger's maximum power. Car manufacturers are continually researching and developing batteries that offer greater range and faster charging times. Modern electric vehicles primarily use lithium-ion (Li) batteries which are known for their durability.
Public charging stations offer a variety of payment options, such as a fixed monthly subscription or a pay-as-you-go fee, in addition to session costs determined by the operator. At home, charging can be done using a dedicated device (Wallbox) or a standard power outlet, with costs varying based on power requirements and the electricity provider. Customers can also choose to install an additional meter to separately track their charging energy costs.
Charging made simple
In general, charging times for electric cars depend on battery capacity, charging power (kw), and the vehicle charger's maximum power.
The most common and convenient method for charging an electric car is through a power outlet. However, for faster charging, owners can opt for a Wallbox or public charging stations. Wallboxes can be installed at home or the workplace, providing faster charging capabilities. Fast charging stations, which are being rolled out rapidly across the UK, offer high power outputs ranging from 50 to 180 kw. Public charging can be done using alternating current (cable mode 2 and 3) or direct current (cable mode 4). Charging times can vary from minutes to hours, depending on the vehicle's battery capacity, charging point power, and environmental factors like temperature and battery degradation.
