Fiat 500 Electric "La Prima"

Fiat 500 "La Prima" Electric: The Car That Makes Small Look Good

The Fiat 500 "La Prima" Electric is a strange thing. I say strange because when you hear the words "electric car," your mind instantly goes to something either vaguely soulless or clinical, like a refrigerator on wheels. Yet, here we have a car that actually seems to make electric motoring… fun.

This, my friends, is the Fiat 500 "La Prima" Electric — a city car that doesn’t scream "eco warrior," but instead whispers, "I’m stylish, I’m small, and I’m better than your SUV." It’s a little bit cheeky, a little bit trendy, and a whole lot more charming than any electric car really has any right to be. Let’s see if the 500 can live up to the Fiat name or if it’s just another pretender trying to be fashionable while driving on a battery.

First Impressions: So… That’s Electric?

At first glance, the Fiat 500 "La Prima" isn’t all that different from the 500 you already know. But, and it’s an important but, it does look much, much cooler. It’s like Fiat took their adorable city runabout, gave it a makeover worthy of the Italian fashion scene, and slapped on an electric motor to boot. You see, this is the car that should be in Milan, sipping espresso outside a chic café while all the men in the leather jackets secretly wish they were driving it.

It’s got LED headlights that give it a personality — those semi-circle lights look like they’re on a date with a cartoon character and totally pulling it off. Add the flush door handles, the snazzy diamond-cut alloys, and that top-hat-style panoramic roof, and you’ve got something that doesn’t just look like an electric car, it looks like an electric car that’s been invited to the cool party.

You’ll notice it on the road. Trust me. This isn’t a wallflower. This is the flashy cousin who shows up at family parties in a fur coat while everyone else wears sensible jackets.

Inside: Premium? In a 500? Really?

Right, let’s talk about what’s inside. Normally, when you think "small car," you think cheap plastics, hard seats, and dials that look like they belong in a Fisher Price playset. But not here. No, in the Fiat 500 "La Prima", you get vegan leather seats. Yes, vegan leather. The kind of thing that makes you feel like you’re a conscious, forward-thinking individual, but also slightly makes you wonder if the cows are laughing at you.

The seats are decent. They have monogrammed detailing and piping, and while you won’t be getting massage functions or the scent of a thousand roses, they’re perfectly comfortable for city driving.

The 10.25-inch touchscreen? It works. It’s not mind-blowing, but it’s crisp, clean, and user-friendly. It doesn’t require a PhD in electronics to operate. And that, for me, is a win. Also, there’s ambient lighting that gives the whole cabin that feeling of luxury. It’s as if the 500 decided it was sick of being "cute" and was ready to "make it rain" in the design world.

The best bit? There’s an actual boot. For a car this size, that’s nothing short of miraculous. You won’t fit an entire set of golf clubs, but you will get your shopping and a couple of bags in there. And for a car this size, that’s all you can reasonably expect.

Performance: 0-60 in… A Sufficiently Fun Amount of Time

Now, I’ve driven cars that will have you needing a neck brace after pressing the accelerator. But the Fiat 500 "La Prima" isn’t that kind of car. This isn’t a Tesla Model S Plaid; it’s more of a lively little urban companion, ready to zip around town with all the excitement of a dog who’s just realized there’s a tennis ball in the room.

Let’s talk numbers. 0–60 mph takes about 9 seconds, which is the kind of time that’s completely adequate when you’re driving through the back streets of London. Will it win you any drag races? No. Will it make you smile when you floor it at a set of traffic lights? Absolutely.

It’s the instant torque that makes this car fun. Electric motors have that magic trick of being able to produce power immediately. That’s why you’ll feel it surge forward with every tap of the accelerator. It’s not going to leave you with whiplash, but it’s definitely the kind of car that makes you feel like the king of the traffic light grand prix.

The real genius is in the regenerative braking. This isn’t just some fancy trick that makes you feel like you’re saving the planet while you drive. No, it’s actually practical. You lift off the throttle, and it feels like the car is putting the brakes on for you, meaning you’re basically just using the accelerator for everything. It’s like driving with a magic pedal that can do everything.

The Sound: Or Lack of It

Let’s talk about noise. In a world of engine roars, turbocharged growls, and the occasional pop from a sportscar, the Fiat 500 "La Prima" is about as silent as an actual ghost. At low speeds, it’s like gliding in a spaceship. You won’t hear anything. It’s so quiet that the only thing you’ll notice is the road noise creeping in from time to time — but even that’s not too intrusive. It’s oddly peaceful.

The best part? You won’t be disturbing your neighbors when you leave for work at 7 a.m. In fact, you’ll probably be sneaking out of your driveway so quietly that they’ll think you’ve vanished. The only thing you’ll disturb is their peace of mind when they realize that your little electric city car is now winning all the "Who’s Got the Coolest Car?" contests.

Range: Managing Expectations

Look, it’s not a Tesla Model 3, and it’s not going to take you on a road trip from London to Edinburgh without a few pit stops. The Fiat 500 "La Prima" has a WLTP range of about 199 miles on paper. In the real world, you’re probably looking at something more like 140-160 miles, depending on how heavy your right foot is. But let’s be honest — you’re not buying this car to go on a road trip. You’re buying it because it’s perfect for city driving.

And charging? Simple. If you can find a fast charger, you’re looking at 80% charge in just 35 minutes. Plug it in overnight, and it’ll be ready to roll by morning. It’s about as easy as plugging in your phone. And isn’t that the point?

Practicality: Tiny, but Not Useless

Don’t get me wrong, the Fiat 500 "La Prima" isn’t a family car. It’s not going to cart your kids, the dog, and a week’s worth of luggage for your holiday to Cornwall. But, for its size, it’s surprisingly practical. It’s small, nimble, and can squeeze into parking spaces that other cars could only dream of.

And that turning circle? It’s ridiculous. You can U-turn in places where other cars would need to consider a three-point turn. City driving just became easier — and dare I say, more fun.

Final Verdict: It's Small, It's Stylish, It's Electric

The Fiat 500 "La Prima" Electric is what happens when style and practicality collide with a dash of sensible electric driving. It’s not a car for speed demons or road trip enthusiasts. But for the urbanite who wants to feel cool without the whole "I drive a petrol-guzzling 4x4" routine, this is a delightful little machine.

It’s stylish. It’s quirky. And it doesn’t need a throaty V8 engine to prove that driving can still be fun.

So, if you’re looking for a car that’s eco-friendly, practical for the city, and can still make you smile every time you press the accelerator, then the Fiat 500 "La Prima" Electric should be top of your list.