Fiat is transitioning to a fully electric brand, introducing a new generation of its iconic 500 model without a combustion engine. Despite this move, sales have slumped as the overall electric vehicle market in Europe slows. To reinvigorate interest, Fiat is adjusting its range, consolidating packages and reducing the price of the La Prima version by €1,500. Competing against rivals like the Citroën ë-C3 and new Renault 5 E-Tech, the 500 still faces significant challenges in a crowded market.
Fiat is on a mission to transform into a fully electric brand. This shift began in early 2020 when the automaker introduced the latest version of its iconic 500 model, moving entirely away from combustion engines.
New Offerings and Pricing Adjustments
However, Fiat has faced challenges in boosting sales in recent months. The Italian manufacturer is struggling to improve its numbers, particularly as the overall electric vehicle market in Europe has begun to plateau. This trend is concerning for the Fiat 500, which has seen a significant decline in registrations. Nevertheless, Fiat is determined not to let this trend continue, as the 500 remains a key part of their lineup, and their electric offerings are still in development.
Fiat’s range now includes the compact Topolino and the 600e, with the exciting addition of the new Fiat Grande Panda arriving soon. In a bid to rejuvenate interest in the electric 500, the company is revising its offerings.
While the pricing has remained stable, the structure of the vehicle packages has been simplified, as reported by Argus. The standard equipment level stays the same, but Fiat has streamlined its offerings from seven packages down to three: Confort, Style, and Confort & Style. This restructuring combines elements from the previous packages into a more concise format, enhancing customer clarity. Additionally, the La Prima variant has seen a price reduction of 1,500 euros.
The new starting price is 33,400 euros, which retains all the previously known standard features. The La Prima variant now includes the Comfort, Style Plus La Prima, and Tech packages, plus one-pedal driving, speed control, and sign recognition. Interestingly, the base model of the Fiat 500e will be discontinued, with the intermediate Red variant stepping in as the new entry-level option.
Technical Specifications Overview
The electric Fiat 500 offers two power options of 95 and 118 horsepower and comes with two battery choices: 28.4 kWh and 42 kWh. This enables the charming city car to achieve a range of up to 331 kilometers according to the WLTP testing cycle. For charging, it takes approximately 34 minutes to go from 10% to 80% at a maximum DC power of 85 kW when using a fast charger. While these specs are competitive, the market is becoming increasingly challenging.
Now, the Fiat 500 will face stiff competition, especially from two notable rivals that offer more appealing specifications at lower prices. The Citroën ë-C3, which we’ve had the opportunity to test, starts at a price point of around 23,000 euros. This model features 113 horsepower and a 44 kWh LFP (lithium-iron-phosphate) battery, providing a range of 320 kilometers based on the WLTP cycle. But that’s not the only competitor for the Fiat 500e…
Additionally, the newly launched Renault 5 E-Tech poses a significant threat. Priced at 33,490 euros for the version equipped with a substantial 52 kWh battery, it boasts a range of up to 410 kilometers. Future iterations are expected, including a model priced under 25,000 euros, which will feature 95 horsepower and a smaller battery. Clearly, the electric Fiat 500 has a considerable journey ahead to maintain its competitive edge…