Fiat 500 Leasing UK 2025 – Comprehensive Fiat 500 Electric Review
Introduction
Leasing a Fiat 500 leasing Electric in the UK is increasingly becoming a very appealing option for buyers seeking style, zero tailpipe emissions, and urban agility without the burdens of outright ownership. With the rising costs of new cars, depreciation concerns, and maintenance, Fiat 500 leasing makes good sense: lower monthly payments, fixed contract lengths, and fewer worries about long-term resale. This review explores the Fiat 500 Electric in depth: how it drives, what it costs, how it performs, and whether Fiat 500 leasing is a smart move in 2025 and beyond.
At a Glance
Spec | Detail |
---|---|
Battery / Model Versions | 24 kWh (“small battery”) / 42 kWh (“Long Range”) |
Power (motor) | ~95 PS (~70-kW approx) for the small battery; ~118 PS (~87-kW) for the Long Range version |
Official Range (WLTP) | ~118 miles (small battery); ~199 miles (Long Range) |
0-62 mph | ~9.0 seconds for the more powerful version; slower for the 24 kWh unit |
Top Speed | ~90-93 mph for the bigger battery version; smaller battery version somewhat less |
Charging Speeds | DC rapid up to ~85 kW on the larger battery version; the smaller battery maxes out lower (~50 kW) DC; AC charging ~11 kW; home plug (~3-pin) much slower |
Price (UK, new) | From ~£24,995 for the 24 kWh version; premium trims (La Prima, Giorgio Armani, etc.) for the 42 kWh battery version higher, up to ~£33,995 OTR depending on spec. |
Key Features
- Design & Styling: The Fiat 500 leasing retains the iconic, cute, retro-modern look of the 500 line, with styling updates to distinguish the electric version: LED lights, clean front face (no big grille), and premium trims (e.g. La Prima, RED, Giorgio Armani editions).
- Drive Modes & Regen Braking: The car includes various modes (Normal, Range, Sherpa) that affect regenerative braking, power, and speed to maximise efficiency when desired.
- Infotainment & Tech: Modern touchscreen interface, climate control, and features expected in EVs. Some trims include higher-end touches. As with many small EVs, certain compromises: fewer rear amenities, limited space.
- Warranty & Support: Fiat offers warranty on battery (often 8 years or ~100,000 miles) in the UK market.
Range & Batteries
- There are two main battery options:
- 24 kWh (small battery) — WLTP ~118 miles combined. Good for city driving, short commutes. Real-world range will drop with sustained motorway speeds or heavy load.
- 42 kWh (“Long Range”) — WLTP ~199 miles combined. Much more usable for mixed driving. Usable capacity is a little lower than nominal (~37.3 kWh usable) in many versions.
- Real-world range tends to be lower under less-than-ideal conditions (cold weather, fast driving, AC/heating use). Many users report ~130-160 miles in mixed driving for the 42 kWh version.
- Battery tech is lithium-ion, likely NMC chemistry. The smaller battery still gives decent efficiency because of lower weight.
Performance & Drive
- Acceleration: The 42 kWh, ~118 PS motor gets 0-62 mph in about 9.0 seconds. The smaller battery version is slower.
- Top Speed: ~90-93 mph for big battery version. Sufficient for occasional motorway usage but not a sports car.
- Driving Feel: Very well suited to city driving – responsive, nimble, easy to manoeuvre. Slight compromises on ride comfort at times (the suspension can feel a bit more bouncy vs more expensive rivals).
Charging
- DC Rapid Charging: The Long Range version supports up to ~85 kW DC charging, which means a fast top-up (0-80%) in ~30-35 minutes under good conditions. The small battery version is more limited (~50 kW DC) so it charges slower at rapid chargers.
- AC Charging / Home Charging: Standard AC charging (11 kW) will take a few hours (e.g. ~4h15 for the 42 kWh from a suitable wallbox). The small battery version takes less. A domestic 3-pin plug is far slower, overnight or more.
- Charging Infrastructure Usability: Given its smaller battery, the Fiat 500 leasing Electric is more forgiving when using frequent quick top-ups; still, for longer journeys planning is required due to battery size and charger availability. For leasing customers this means factoring in access to rapid chargers in contract terms / allowance.
Running Costs & Emissions
- Zero tailpipe emissions (0 g CO₂/km) — this gives advantages in urban zones with low emission schemes, congestion charge zones, etc.
- Electricity vs Fuel Cost: Charging at home (overnight, off-peak tariff) is significantly cheaper per mile than petrol/diesel alternatives. Public charging rates vary; rapid charging is more expensive. Lease deals may include allowances for charging or even home charge units.
- Vehicle Excise Duty (VED): As an electric vehicle, VED is £0.
- Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) Tax (for company car / business lease): Low EV rates make leasing attractive to business users.
- Maintenance Costs: Fewer moving parts in an EV, less wear on brakes thanks to regen braking, but battery warranty / replacement costs and electric-system maintenance need to be considered. Lease providers often handle many maintenance aspects, making Fiat 500 leasing lower risk.
Interior & Technology
- Interior styling is appealing: retro touches combined with modern materials, good finish in mid-to-higher trims. The hatch is compact; rear seats are more usable than older petrol Fiat 500 leasing but still tight for adults. High trims bring more premium materials.
- Infotainment: Touchscreen system, modern features; in some trims wireless / USB-C / connectivity options. Some downsides reported: lack of height adjustment in driver seat (or limited) in some versions; smaller displays in lower trims.
- Comfort & Practicality: Front seats generally comfortable; rear less so for longer journeys or for tall rear passengers. Noise insulation is good for what this car is (small EV), though wind and road noise on major roads more apparent than larger, more premium EVs.
Practicality & Boot Space
- Boot space is modest. As a small city car the Fiat 500 leasing Electric does what it needs but does not offer large volume. Rear seats fold down (if needed) to improve load carrying. For many leasing customers whose use is primarily urban commuting, it’s sufficient.
- Payload / number of seats: It seats 4; rear doors only on hatch version (UK generally gets hatch / convertible); rear space is tight for adults. If your lease usage includes carrying people regularly in the back or carrying larger load, consider that.
- Practical features: Charging cable storage, parking sensors, etc are generally good; visibility is decent; manoeuvrability in tight spaces strong.
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Safety
- As with many modern EVs, the Fiat 500 leasing comes with a suite of safety features: airbags, stability control, etc.
- Urban EV safety advantages: lower centre of gravity for better stability, instant torque for responsive behaviour.
- Might have limitations in crash testing for larger impacts compared to heavier vehicles; rear seats less protected from road & side noise. Always check NCAP / UK crash test results for specific trims.
Options
- Trims & Special Editions: The Fiat 500 leasing Electric is offered in various trims: Action / City / La Prima / RED / Giorgio Armani etc. These trims affect price, spec, and desirability. Higher trims may include better tech, styling, alloys, premium interior extras.
- Battery Choice: Key option for Fiat 500 leasing is choosing the battery size. Leasing the bigger battery increases upfront lease cost but gives more usable range, reducing “range anxiety” and possibly reducing dependency on public charging.
- Convertible vs Hatch: The 500C (retractable roof) version exists; this usually comes at premium cost. For some it’s a lifestyle accessory; for others not essential in trade-off vs cost.
- Colour / Customisation / Styling Packs: As a style-led car, colour and aesthetic options are more prominent – alloy wheels, trim finish, interior contrast stitching etc.
- Charging accessories: Home wall-box / charger installation, cables, etc. These may or may not be included in leasing deals.
Rival Cars
Here are some competitors to the Fiat 500 leasing Electric along with how they compare, especially in the context of leasing:
Rival | Key Strengths Compared to 500 Electric | Weaknesses vs 500 Electric |
---|---|---|
Mini Electric | Premium brand, more rear space, more dynamic handling, decent range. | Usually more expensive to lease; more expensive to repair; retro styling less distinct (depends on taste). |
Renault 5 E-Tech | Modern EV platform; competitive range; good tech. | May be pricier; possibly less iconic style; resale / support uncertainty for some trims. |
Volkswagen ID.3 | Larger vehicle, more range, stronger fast-charging ability. | Less manoeuvrable in tight city spaces; higher lease cost; more mass = more energy consumption. |
Peugeot e-208 | Stylish; better ride for some; more space; competitive interior tech. | Slightly less quirky; lease cost could be higher; style less iconic. |
Honda E (if still available) or other city-EVs | Urban friendliness, great handling, tech features. | Less range; often higher cost in parts / maintenance; smaller network for parts / servicing. |
Verdict & Next Steps
Verdict
Overall, the Fiat 500 leasing Electric is a strong contender in the small city EV sector, especially for those where style, ease of use, and zero emission driving are priorities. For leasing, it offers:
- Lower upfront cost compared to buying new, especially depreciation and resale hassles shifted to the leasing company.
- Fixed monthly payments make budgeting easier.
- With the Long Range 42 kWh battery, many of the range limitations that worry EV users are mitigated.
However, there are caveats:
- If your driving involves regular long motorway journeys, especially in cold weather or with heavy use of heating/air-conditioning, the small battery version may lead to frequent charging stops.
- Boot and rear passenger space are limited, so it might not suit families or those needing a lot of carrying capacity.
- Higher-trim / special editions raise cost; leasing premiums for those could be large.
Next Steps
If you’re considering Fiat 500 leasing, here’s what to do next:
- Decide on battery size: Understand your typical usage. Urban only? Short commutes? The 24 kWh may suffice. Mixed / longer trips? Go 42 kWh.
- Get lease quotes: Compare offers from several leasing providers. Look at the full package: monthly cost, upfront payments (initial rental), maintenance inclusion, insurance contributions, annual mileage allowances, end-of-lease condition charges.
- Check included extras: Home charger installation; whether the lease includes a wallbox; servicing / tyre replacements; whiplash covers; connectivity / app fees.
- Plan for charging infrastructure: At home, work, public rapid chargers. Leasing deals sometimes include or subsidise charger installation.
- Evaluate residual value & contract length: Shorter lease may cost more per month but lower risk with battery degradation; longer lease may reduce monthly payments but you trade off flexibility.
- Test drive / check real-world range: If possible, try the version you expect to lease (size of battery, trim) with your routes. See how it feels in real traffic, motorway etc.
- Consider total cost of ownership vs leasing: Sometimes leasing makes sense, sometimes buying used or new with rebates may be more economical depending on how many miles you do and how long you keep the car.
🔹 Fiat 500 Leasing – FAQ
1. How much does Fiat 500 leasing cost in the UK?
Fiat 500 leasing in the UK typically starts from around £230–£280 per month for the entry-level 24 kWh model, with the Long Range 42 kWh version costing closer to £300–£350 per month. Prices vary depending on mileage allowance, contract length, and trim level. Leasing a Fiat 500 Electric helps you avoid depreciation while enjoying predictable monthly payments.
2. What is the range of the Fiat 500 Electric when leased?
When you lease a Fiat 500 leasing Electric, range depends on battery size. The 24 kWh battery provides up to 118 miles WLTP, ideal for city use. The 42 kWh Long Range battery extends that to around 199 miles WLTP, or about 150 miles in real-world mixed driving—perfect for commuting and weekend trips.
3. Is leasing a Fiat 500 Electric better than buying?
For most drivers, leasing a Fiat 500 leasing Electric is smarter financially. You get a brand-new car every few years without worrying about resale value or battery degradation. Leasing also allows you to upgrade as EV technology improves, giving you flexibility, tax advantages (for business users), and lower upfront costs.
4. What’s included in a Fiat 500 leasing deal?
Most Fiat 500 leasing deals include road tax, breakdown cover, manufacturer warranty, and optional maintenance packages. Some providers offer home charger installation, servicing, and tyre replacement. Always check whether insurance or charging costs are included before signing your lease agreement.
5. How long does it take to charge a leased Fiat 500 Electric?
Charging a leased Fiat 500 Electric depends on the charger type. Using an 11 kW home wallbox, a full charge takes about 4 hours for the 42 kWh battery. Rapid DC charging (up to 85 kW) replenishes 0–80% in roughly 30 minutes, making long journeys easier to plan for UK drivers leasing the Fiat 500 Electric.
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