• Driving a convertible increases happiness by up to 19%, reduces stress by up to 32%, and improves alertness by up to 15%.
• The most aggressive drivers experience the largest increase in happiness with the roof down.
• Driving in general improves a person’s overall mood (happiness, alertness, and tension) compared to not driving at all.
• Fiat partnered with Dr. Lisa Dorn, a professor of driving behavior, to study the physiological and psychological benefits of driving a convertible.
• The All Electric Fiat 500 Convertible was used for the study, which is one of the few electric convertible models available in the UK.
• Drivers of the All Electric Fiat 500 Convertible experienced an increase in positive emotions and a decrease in negative ones.

London: Thursday 20th July – Driving an open-top convertible can significantly improve motorists’ mood and performance compared to driving with the roof up, according to a first-of-its-kind scientific study.

In partnership with Dr. Lisa Dorn, Associate Professor of Driver Behaviour at Cranfield University and Founder of PsyDrive, Fiat conducted research to determine how driving with the top down affects our physical and emotional well-being. The results suggest that being behind the wheel of a convertible makes drivers happier, more alert, and may even have long-term health benefits.

The study measured driving style for each participant using the Driver Stress Inventory before conducting tests. When the roof was down, all drivers experienced a significant increase in happiness, with the more aggressive drivers showing the greatest uplift in mood. Driving with the roof down also reduced stress levels and increased alertness. This may lead to safer driving, as drivers were also found to have lower levels of negative emotions associated with road rage.

Both men and women experienced a near equal and significant increase in alertness when driving with the roof down. Females reported a stronger impact on their energy levels overall. Dr. Lisa Dorn suggests that driving with the top down provides a greater sense of feedback from the road environment, leading to a positive mood and potentially safer driving.

Damien Dally, FIAT UK Managing Director, believes that driving a convertible brings joy to motorists, and this study confirms that drivers are happier with the roof down. The All Electric Fiat 500 provides an enjoyable driving experience, whether the roof is up or down, and may also benefit drivers in terms of alertness and calmness on the road.

The Fiat 500 all electric convertible is the first 100% electric Fiat designed from the ground up. It offers best-in-class features and a range of battery options, making it an excellent choice for those interested in electric driving.

Fiat recently launched a new E-Grant, where buyers can receive £3,000 towards an all-electric 500 model. For more information, visit www.fiat.co.uk/500-electric/all-electric-500-hatchback.

ENDS

Methodology in detail

Fiat conducted a two-day scientifically grounded experiment with a group of UK car drivers, in partnership with Dr. Lisa Dorn. Participants drove solo in two journeys, one with the roof up and one with the roof down, on a pre-planned quiet rural public route. Heart rate was measured using chest band ECGs, and participants completed a Mood Questionnaire before and after each drive. Data analysis revealed significant differences in mood and heart rate variability between the two driving conditions, with driving style also playing a role.