Fiat 500 Battery: Specs, Fitment & Common Faults

Two entirely different battery systems live on this car — here's how to tell which one's actually causing your problem.

Generation covered: this guide is for the fully electric Fiat 500 (2020–present), with particular focus on 2020–2023 registered examples now old enough for parts to be a common search. This is an entirely different car from the previous petrol 500 (2007–2024), sharing no mechanical parts with it despite the similar styling — check your logbook or VIN if you're unsure which one you have.

Illustration for editorial purposes

Two Batteries, Two Very Different Jobs

As a fully electric car, the 500 has both a small 12V battery (for lights, infotainment and other electronics) and a much larger traction battery that actually powers the car. A fault with one doesn't mean the other is affected, but symptoms can sometimes look similar to an untrained eye.

Before you buy: confirm whether you need the 12V auxiliary battery or a service/repair on the main traction battery — these are entirely different parts with entirely different costs. Always confirm against your VIN before ordering.

Fiat 500 Battery: Watch: Replacing It

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Covers the 500e's 12V auxiliary battery, which runs the car's electronics; the traction battery is a dealer job.

OEM Part Number: Type 12V auxiliary

Accuracy note: The electric 500e (2020 on) has no starter battery in the usual sense: its 12V auxiliary battery runs the lights, locks and electronics and is charged from the traction pack. It is a small 12V unit under the bonnet; a "Service 12V battery" warning is the common sign it needs replacing. Confirm the exact size via VIN or the label on the fitted battery — no aftermarket type code could be confirmed for the UK car.

500e (2020 on), 12V auxiliary	Small 12V battery (around 40–45Ah) — confirm via VIN. The high-voltage traction battery is a dealer-only item

If your 500e won't power on or struggles to enter drive-ready mode, it's this small 12V battery that's almost always the cause, not the large high-voltage drive battery pack, which is a separate, far more expensive component. Whether you're sourcing a replacement battery for your Fiat 500 from a dealer, specialist, or online marketplace, always check compatibility against your registration or VIN before buying.

Fiat 500 Battery: What They Do

The 12V battery powers electronics like lights, infotainment and the systems needed to "wake up" the car before the main traction battery takes over. The traction battery — either 24kWh or 42kWh depending on trim — is what actually drives the electric motor and determines range.

Fiat 500 Battery: Warning Signs, DIY Difficulty & Aftermarket Advice

These are the same regardless of make or model — see our full Battery Guide for warning signs to watch for, confirming fitment against your VIN, and matching the right technology (standard, EFB, AGM) when buying aftermarket.

More Fiat Battery

The same part, covered across other Fiat models.