As electric vehicles become increasingly popular, it’s important for buyers to understand the warranties that come with them. The Fiat 500e, an all-electric version of the popular Fiat 500, is no exception.
One of the most important aspects of the Fiat 500e is its battery warranty, which covers the vehicle’s lithium-ion battery pack.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Fiat 500e battery warranty, including what it covers, how long it lasts, and what you need to do to keep your warranty valid.
Whether you’re a current Fiat 500e owner or considering buying one, this guide will provide you with the information you need to understand the ins and outs of the battery warranty.
How Long is the Battery Warranty on the Fiat 500e?
The battery warranty on a Fiat 500e varies depending on the year of the car and the state where it was purchased. Generally, the battery warranty covers any defects in materials or workmanship that cause the battery to fail or malfunction during normal use.
For the 2013 and 2014 Fiat 500e models, the battery warranty covers defects for up to 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first.
However, in California and several other states that have adopted California’s Zero Emission Vehicle regulations, the battery warranty is extended to 8 years or 100,000 miles.
This means that if your 2013 or 2014 Fiat 500e was purchased in California, you have a longer battery warranty than if it was purchased in a state that hasn’t adopted these regulations.
For the 2015 and newer models of the Fiat 500e, the battery warranty is 8 years or 100,000 miles, regardless of the state where it was purchased.
This is due to changes in regulations and advancements in battery technology, which have led to longer-lasting batteries and increased confidence in their longevity.
Comparing the Fiat 500e Battery Warranty with Other Electric Cars
Here’s how the Fiat 500e battery warranty compares to other popular EVs.
- Tesla Model S: The battery and drive unit are covered for 8 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.
- Nissan Leaf: The battery is covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. The Leaf’s electric powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles.
- Chevrolet Bolt EV: The battery and electric propulsion system are covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.
- Ford Mustang Mach-E: The battery and electric components are covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.
- Volkswagen ID.4: The battery and electric components are covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.
As you can see the battery warranty duration is pretty similar, and warranty rules are pretty much the same in each case.
When Does the Fiat 500e Battery Warranty Apply?
Fiat battery warranty applies to new vehicles and covers certain repairs and replacements that may be needed due to defects in materials or workmanship.
In other words, the warranty will be accepted if the vehicle was operated in accordance with the owner’s manual provided by Fiat.
Additionally, the warranty does not cover damage or repairs that result from accidents, misuse, modification, or normal wear and tear.
Normal wear and tear includes the gradual reduction in battery capacity over time due to usage, which is expected in all lithium-ion batteries.
According to Fiat, the battery warranty covers if battery capacity has dropped below 70% of its original value at delivery of the new Fiat 500e, the portion below 70% will be regarded as excessive capacity loss.
It’s important to note that the warranty is fully transferable to subsequent owners of this vehicle.
Also read: EV Battery in Hot Temperature: 5 Things to Know
How to Operate Your Car to Ensure That Your Fiat Battery Warranty Remains Valid?
To ensure that your Fiat Battery Warranty remains valid, it is essential to have your vehicle inspected at the recommended service intervals specified by your Fiat onboard service indicator system.
During these inspections, any necessary checks and corrective work must be carried out.
Claims for technical defects or excessive capacity loss will not be accepted in case of an accident or under any of the following circumstances:
- Operating your car in conditions for which it was not homologated, such as in a country with different regulations from the one it was originally supplied for.
- Overstressing or abnormal operation of your Fiat 500e, such as participating in competitive motorsports events.
- Installing parts in your Fiat that were not approved by the manufacturer or manipulating your car or any of its parts, including software, in a manner not approved by the manufacturer.
- Failing to follow the instructions for use, maintenance, and care of your vehicle, as outlined in the owner’s manual.
- Allowing someone other than an approved Fiat Service Authorised Workshop to remove or open the high voltage battery from your Fiat 500e vehicle.
Important: EV battery replacement can cost $1000s. To avoid high-voltage battery replacement, there are some things you can do. Read this article to find out the 10 best ways to maximize EV battery life and save tons of money!
What are the Symptoms That May Indicate a Need for Battery Replacement?
- Rapid loss of charge: If your vehicle is not holding a charge as long as it used to or is losing charge more rapidly, it could indicate an issue with the battery.
- Reduced driving range: If you’re not able to go as far on a single charge as you did when the vehicle was new, this could also be a sign that the battery is deteriorating.
- Slow charging: If your vehicle is taking longer to charge than it used to, it could indicate that the battery is struggling to hold a charge.
- Warning lights or messages: Most electric vehicles have warning lights or messages that will indicate when there is an issue with the battery. If you receive a message or see a warning light related to the battery, it’s important to have it checked out as soon as possible.
- Unusual noises or vibrations: If you hear unusual noises or feel vibrations that you haven’t experienced before, it could be a sign that something is wrong with the battery or the electrical system.
- Decreased battery capacity: If battery capacity has dropped below 70% when warranty still applies, it’s a sign of problem.
It’s important to note that some of these symptoms may be caused by factors other than the battery, so it’s important to have your vehicle checked by a qualified technician to determine the cause of the issue.
If your Fiat 500e is still under warranty, and you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you may be able to make a claim for battery replacement under the terms of the warranty.
How to Claim the Warranty and What to Expect During the Process?
If you encounter any problems with the battery during the warranty period, it’s essential to act promptly. Here’s what you can expect when making a battery warranty claim:
- Diagnostic Check: First, the Fiat 500e must be brought to an authorized Fiat repair facility for a diagnostic check to determine the issue with the battery.
- Repair or Replacement: If the battery is found to be faulty, the authorized Fiat repair facility will either repair or replace it under warranty, depending on the extent of the issue.
- Warranty Coverage: If the battery is repaired or replaced under warranty, the remaining coverage of the original battery warranty will continue to apply.
To claim the Fiat 500e battery warranty, it’s important to have your vehicle serviced at authorized Fiat Service Centers and maintain your car at the recommended service intervals.
Additionally, keep records of all maintenance work performed on your Fiat to ensure that the warranty coverage is not voided.
In case of any issues, you can contact your local authorized Fiat Service Center to initiate a warranty claim.
It’s important to note that the Fiat battery warranty may not cover all types of damage or issues caused by factors beyond the manufacturer’s control, such as accidents or misuse.
How Much Does it Cost to Replace Your Fiat 500e EV Battery if the Warranty is Voided?
The cost of replacing a Fiat 500e battery can range from $10,000 to $35,000, including parts and labor. Understandably, this is an exorbitant expense that most car owners would not consider.
If you opt for a new battery pack, the cost can exceed $30,000, whereas a remanufactured battery will cost you around $6,000. However, it’s important to note that ordering the part is just the beginning.
To replace a 500e battery, you need to find a mechanic who is willing to work on a Fiat 500e, which can be challenging.
Another option is refurbishing. It involves replacing only the damaged or worn-out cells of the battery instead of the entire unit. This process can be significantly cheaper than battery replacement, and it can extend the life of your existing battery.