Urban drivers know how congested and slow the daily commute has become. The propensity for oversized utility vehicles and pickups only makes it worse, as do all those delivery vehicles and monster-size commercial transports.

With all this motorized mayhem, a case can be made for selecting the electric Fiat 500e as a daily-chores companion. 

This isn91裸聊视频檛 the 500e91裸聊视频檚 first rodeo; the pint-sized EV made a brief appearance for the 2017 model year. The gasoline-powered Fiat 500 models departed after 2019.

The 500e has similar proportions to the previous model, but the front and rear ends have been redesigned. The fenders bulge out more prominently around the wheel arches and there are spiffy-looking 17-inch multi-spoke wheels. A giant 91裸聊视频�50091裸聊视频� fronts the largely featureless nose.

The 500e is only slightly bigger than the previous model. The closest rival, 2025 Mini Cooper Electric, is several inches longer and in the distance between the front and rear wheels. 

The 10.25-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is front and centre on the dashboard next to the circular 7.0-inch driver91裸聊视频檚 gauge display.

The well-bolstered front seats, which are covered in recycled materials, are comfortable enough, and there91裸聊视频檚 also sufficient legroom. Rear passengers, however, are seriously lacking legroom. The back seat is unsuitable for adult-sized passengers, so consider it storage space. At least the large front and side windows make for a less claustrophobic riding experience.

Cargo volume is also understandably limited but can be increased by lowering the rear seatback, although it doesn91裸聊视频檛 fold completely flat. 

Upon entering the vehicle, passengers are treated to a digital melody. As well, 91裸聊视频淭he Sound of 50091裸聊视频� serenades/alerts nearby pedestrians and helps mask the motor91裸聊视频檚 electric whirring noise.

The 500e91裸聊视频檚 power system has a single electric motor supported by a 42-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. Output is a 117 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. Fiat estimates a zero-to-60-mph (96-km/h) time of 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 150 km/h. Maximum range is rated at 227 kilometres. These specs are modest and underscore the 500e91裸聊视频檚 calling as a city runabout. For its intended use, the peppy little Fiat easily keeps up with the flow of traffic.

The regenerative braking system, which helps replenish the battery, can bring the 500e to a complete stop without the driver touching the brake pedal. This can be turned off to smooth out the drive, but at the expense of some range.

According to Fiat, when the 500e is plugged into a Level 3 commercial fast charger, 50 kilometres of range can be added in five minutes. Charging to 80 per cent capacity from zero takes about 35 minutes.

When the 500e is hooked to a 240-volt Level 2 station, such as you would install at home, the charge time to 80 per cent extends to four hours and 15 minutes. Why 80 per cent and not 100? Because the charge speed dramatically slows once 80 per cent is reached, which is the case with most plug-in hybrids and EVs on the market, and automakers want to advertise their quickest times.

A 240-volt home charger is baked into the $42,200 base price (including destination) of the 500e, but you have to pay for installation. If you already have a station, or don91裸聊视频檛 need one 91裸聊视频� for example, if you live in a multiunit building 91裸聊视频� you can opt for a charging credit.

With Fiat and federal government credits applied the net base price is significantly reduced to $34,250.

Initially, all 500e Fiats were painted in red, in recognition of RED, the AIDS charity that was partly founded by U2 band singer Bono. Several other colors have since been added. 

Standard features include climate control, navigation system, wireless charging pad and a six-way manually adjustable driver91裸聊视频檚 seat.

Standard active-safety technology includes autonomous emergency braking, lane-departure warning, pedestrian/cyclist detection and inattentive driver alert. These can be supplemented with active cruise control, blind-spot warning, traffic-sign recognition and a 360-degree surround-view camera.

To use as a city commuter to scoot around traffic, the 500e plenty going for it. As usual, an electric car isn91裸聊视频檛 for everyone, nor is it intended to be. But the 500e is easy to park, it91裸聊视频檚 priced well, it91裸聊视频檚 incredibly fun and it91裸聊视频檚 definitely worth a look.