► We live with the Abarth 500e
► CAR’s long-term test diaries
► Read month 3 here
We can all enjoy an EV’s amazing squirt of acceleration, but more typically it’s ekeing out every last kWh of energy to maximise the range that’s important day-to-day.
This is especially true of the Abarth 500e with its diminutive 42kWh battery. Abarth claims 157 miles of WLTP-certified range, but this summer the trip computer has never shown more than 136 miles, and I’ve rarely travelled more than 100 without charging up.
We’re currently averaging 3.4 miles per kWh, which points to an actual range of 143 miles. A recent go in the Lucid Air proved that 2.4-tonne limo could average 4.0 miles per kWh. Go figure…
Logbook: Abarth 500e Turismo hatchback (month 4)
Price: £38,195 (£38,795 as tested)
Performance: 42kWh battery, single e-motor, 152bhp, 7.0sec 0-62mph, 96mph
Efficiency: 3.3 miles per kWh (official), 3.3 miles per kWh (tested), 0g/km CO2
Range: 158 miles (claimed), 143 miles (tested)
Energy cost: 7.8p per mile
Miles this month: 481
Total miles: 4298