So is the 500e something to get excited over? It'll debut in America solely in (RED) trim-(RED) being a company that licenses its brand and then uses a portion of the proceeds to fight HIV/AIDS around the world-as the sole trim available, and it lines up with Fiat CEO Olivier Francois' vision of the 500e as a premium object, something that will generate the sort of consumerist lust as a particularly desirable iPhone release. In fact, and it's probably no coincidence, the iPhone (and Apple Watch) are available in (RED) form, as well.

The real question, of course, is if the 500e (RED) has enough consumer zazz to remind them that still Fiat sells vehicles in the country. The old 500e was zippy, and the new spec sheet looks promising: 162 lb-ft (and a less-promising 118 hp), 149 miles of range from a 42 kWh battery, 85-kW fast charging, and a reasonably low price of $34,095 (which includes a home charging system or equivalent charging credits, which is a nice touch). Yes, this puts it dangerously close in price to a Tesla Model 3, and so the 500e will have to distinguish itself on other grounds. (It certainly won't on acceleration, taking a somewhat leisurely 8.5 seconds to hit 60 mph.)

For one, it's plainly presented as a fun, very Italian car with an urban sensibility. It has a look-at-me style, with 17-inch "diamond-cut" wheels with flashy brushed elements contrasting with mostly black spokes. Cool inset door handles with electronic release look simple yet elegant. The (RED)'s unique features are relatively minimal, however: red-painted exterior mirrors and a red dashboard being the main ones. And of course, an (unspecified) donation to (RED)'s good work.