Welcome to the electrifying world of the Abarth 500e! This sporty, all-electric hot hatch brings the iconic Italian brand's performance pedigree into the zero-emissions era. As a proud owner or prospective buyer, you'll want to know all about keeping your Abarth 500e charged and ready for action. Let's dive into everything you need to know about charging this pocket rocket.
Battery and Range
The Abarth 500e comes equipped with a 42kWh battery pack, offering a WLTP-certified range of up to 165 miles. While this might seem modest compared to some larger EVs, it's more than sufficient for most daily driving needs and short trips. Remember, the Abarth 500e is designed for spirited urban driving and weekend blasts, rather than long-distance cruising.
Charging Options

Home Charging

For most Abarth 500e owners, home charging will be the primary method of keeping the battery topped up. There are two main options for home charging:
a) Standard 3-pin socket: While it's possible to charge your Abarth 500e using a standard 3-pin domestic socket, it's not recommended for regular use. This method is slow, taking around 15-16 hours for a full charge, and may put strain on your home's electrical system.
b) Dedicated home chargepoint: The recommended option is to install a dedicated home chargepoint. A 7kW wallbox can fully charge your Abarth 500e in approximately 6 hours, making it perfect for overnight charging. Many UK homeowners may be eligible for the Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant, which can help offset the installation costs.

Public Charging

When you're out and about, you'll have access to the UK's growing network of public chargers. The Abarth 500e is equipped with CCS (Combined Charging System) capability, allowing for both AC and DC charging.
a) AC Charging: Most public AC chargers in the UK offer 7kW or 22kW charging speeds. Your Abarth 500e can accept up to 11kW AC charging, which can provide a full charge in around 4-5 hours.
b) DC Fast Charging: For those times when you need a quick top-up, the Abarth 500e supports DC fast charging at up to 85kW. This allows you to charge from 10% to 80% in just 35 minutes, perfect for a pit stop on longer journeys.
Charging Speeds and Times
To help you plan your charging strategy, here's a quick overview of charging times for the Abarth 500e:

3-pin domestic socket (2.3kW): 0-100% in 15-16 hours
7kW home chargepoint: 0-100% in 6 hours
11kW AC public charger: 0-100% in 4-5 hours
50kW DC fast charger: 10-80% in approximately 45 minutes
85kW DC fast charger: 10-80% in 35 minutes

Maximising Your Charging Efficiency
To get the most out of your Abarth 500e's charging capabilities, consider these tips:

Plan your charging: Try to keep your battery between 20% and 80% for everyday use. This helps maintain battery health and longevity.
Utilise off-peak tariffs: If you have a smart home chargepoint and a time-of-use electricity tariff, schedule your charging for off-peak hours to save money.
Precondition your battery: When using DC fast charging, especially in colder weather, use the car's preconditioning feature to warm up the battery for optimal charging speeds.
Be mindful of charging etiquette: When using public chargers, move your car once it's sufficiently charged to allow others to use the chargepoint.

Charging Apps and Networks
To make the most of public charging, consider downloading apps from major UK charging networks such as Pod Point, BP Pulse, and IONITY. These apps can help you locate chargers, check availability, and even start charging sessions from your smartphone.
The Abarth 500e App
Abarth offers a dedicated smartphone app that allows you to monitor your car's charging status, set charging schedules, and even precondition the cabin temperature while the car is plugged in. This app is a valuable tool for managing your Abarth 500e's energy use and planning your journeys.
Charging Costs
The cost of charging your Abarth 500e can vary significantly depending on where and when you charge. As a rough guide:

Home charging: Based on an average UK electricity rate of 34p per kWh, a full charge at home would cost around £14.28.
Public AC charging: Prices can range from 30p to 50p per kWh, meaning a full charge could cost between £12.60 and £21.
DC fast charging: Typically more expensive, with rates often between 50p and 70p per kWh. A 10-80% charge could cost between £14 and £19.60.

Remember, these are estimates and actual costs can vary. Many public charging networks offer subscription plans that can reduce per-kWh costs for frequent users.
Conclusion
Charging your Abarth 500e is a straightforward process that can easily fit into your daily routine. With a variety of charging options available, from overnight home charging to rapid top-ups at public chargepoints, you can keep your sporty EV ready for action whenever the mood for a spirited drive strikes. By understanding your charging options and planning accordingly, you'll be able to enjoy the thrilling performance and zero-emissions benefits of your Abarth 500e to the fullest.
Remember, as the UK's charging infrastructure continues to expand and improve, the experience of owning and charging an electric vehicle like the Abarth 500e will only get better. Embrace the electric revolution and enjoy the unique blend of classic Italian style and modern electric performance that only the Abarth 500e can offer!