The Abarth name has long been synonymous with small cars that punch above their weight—raw, racy, and rebellious. Now, for the first time in its history, Abarth has gone fully electric. Enter the Abarth 500e, a bold evolution of the iconic hot hatch, blending zero-emissions performance with unmistakable Italian attitude. But can an electric powertrain still deliver the snarling energy Abarth fans crave? Let’s take a deep dive into what makes the new 500e a shockingly fun ride.
Electric Performance, Abarth Style
At the heart of the new Abarth 500e lies a 42 kWh battery powering a front-mounted electric motor that delivers 113.7 kW (152 hp) and 235 Nm of torque. While those numbers might not seem overwhelming on paper, the compact size, low center of gravity, and immediate torque delivery make the 500e surprisingly quick and agile around town.
- 0 to 100 km/h comes in around 7.0 seconds, putting it in hot hatch territory.
- The top speed is electronically limited to 155 km/h, ideal for urban and suburban thrills.
Even more impressive is how Abarth has tuned the throttle response and acceleration to feel spirited and sharp, giving drivers that classic “go-kart” sensation.
Sound That Stirs the Soul
One of the biggest challenges with electric performance cars is the lack of engine noise—an essential part of the emotional driving experience. Abarth tackled this with the Sound Generator system, which mimics the raspy growl of an Abarth petrol engine through external speakers.
It’s a polarizing feature: some will love the theatricality, while purists may scoff. But there’s no denying it adds drama and identity, especially when compared to the whisper-quiet nature of most EVs.
Aggressive Italian Styling
The Abarth 500e is based on the Fiat 500e, but don’t let that fool you—it’s been dressed for battle. With flared wheel arches, aggressive front and rear bumpers, sporty 18-inch alloys, and exclusive Scorpion logos, it wears its performance credentials with pride.
Available in bold colorways like Acid Green and Poison Blue, this car doesn’t just drive differently—it looks the part. The rear diffuser, side skirts, and racing accents make it clear: this isn’t your average city EV.
Interior: Digital Meets Sporty
Inside, the Abarth 500e balances modern tech with performance flair:
- 10.25-inch touchscreen with Abarth-exclusive graphics and real-time telemetry.
- 7-inch digital driver’s display customized for performance metrics.
- Alcantara sport seats with contrast stitching, aluminum pedals, and a flat-bottom steering wheel bring a race-ready atmosphere.
While space is tight (as expected in a city hatch), the cabin is driver-focused and immersive, with enough premium details to remind you this isn’t just a commuter pod.
Range and Charging
The Abarth 500e offers a WLTP range of around 265 km, slightly lower than the Fiat 500e due to the performance-tuned setup and larger wheels. It supports 85 kW DC fast charging, meaning you can go from 0% to 80% in just over 30 minutes—perfect for grabbing a coffee and getting back on the road.
For daily use, it’s ideal for city dwellers and short commutes. Long-distance drivers might want to plan charging stops ahead.
Driving Modes for Every Mood
You get three distinct driving modes:
- Scorpion Track – Maximum power and performance, with full-throttle response and sporty steering.
- Scorpion Street – Balances performance with regenerative braking, making it ideal for zippy urban driving.
- Tourism – Calmer throttle and extended range, designed for relaxed cruising.
This flexibility means you can tame the beast or let it roar, depending on the situation.
Verdict: An EV With Bite
The Abarth 500e isn’t just another electric city car—it’s a rebellion on wheels. It proves that EVs can still have character, excitement, and a dose of Italian bravado. While purists may mourn the loss of a traditional combustion engine, there’s no denying this is one of the most fun, stylish, and personality-packed small EVs on the market today.
For those seeking something greener but still want to grin on every drive, the Abarth 500e is electrifying in every sense.
Final Thoughts
- Price: Starting from approx. $60,000 AUD (varies by market and trim)
- Competition: MINI Electric, Peugeot e-208 GT, Renault Zoe RS Line
- Best For: Urban thrill-seekers who want style, sound, and zero tailpipe emissions
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