Fiat, part of Stellantis, has revealed plans to introduce a new hybrid version of its popular 500e small electric car, aiming to meet the market demand for more affordable electric options. The company’s move comes amid a global slowdown in electric car sales.
The new “mild” hybrid 500e will offer a combination of a petrol engine and a battery, providing customers with a cost-effective alternative to the fully electric model. Gaetano Thorel, the head of the Fiat brand for Europe, stated that market demand for the hybrid 500e is estimated at 100,000-110,000 units per year, surpassing the sales figures of the fully electric version, which sold fewer than 80,000 units last year.
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Thorel expressed optimism about the new model’s appeal, stating, “There are many clients out there who would like to own a 500e, but cannot afford it. Now we’re giving them a chance to own it.”
The hybrid 500e will be based on the same platform as the 500e EV, with Fiat phasing out the old version of the 500, including petrol-powered and hybrid variants assembled in Poland. Production of the new hybrid model is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2026 at the Mirafiori complex in Turin, Italy, Fiat’s hometown.
See also: Fiat Plans Mild Hybrid Conversion for 500e Amidst EV Market Slowdown
Francois Olivier, CEO of the Fiat brand, indicated that the hybrid 500e would cost “a few hundred euros” more than the current Polish-produced version, priced around 18,000 euros, as it will offer additional technological features. The selling price of the 500e EV starts at approximately 29,000 euros, excluding government incentives, and the model is also set to be launched in the United States.