Fiat’s new hybrid 500e small car is poised to meet market demand, with an estimated 100,000-110,000 units sold annually. This comes as Fiat maker Stellantis seeks to broaden its offering by introducing hybrid versions of its popular 500e electric car and Jeep Compass SUV. The hybrid 500e, often referred to as a “mild” hybrid, will combine a petrol engine with a battery, eliminating the need for a plug.
Gaetano Thorel, the Head of the Fiat brand for Europe, expressed that there is significant demand for the hybrid 500e among customers who are interested in owning an electric vehicle but find the fully electric version too expensive. The fully electric 500e sold fewer than 80,000 units last year, indicating a potential market for more affordable alternatives.
By basing the hybrid model on the same platform as the fully electric 500e, Fiat is able to streamline production while offering consumers a more affordable option. At the same time, Fiat is phasing out the previous version of the 500, which includes both petrol-powered and hybrid variants that were manufactured in Poland.
While the selling price of the fully electric 500e starts at around 29,000 euros ($31,600), the hybrid version will be slightly more expensive, costing “a few hundred euros” above the Polish-produced model. However, this price increase will be justified by the inclusion of additional technological features.
Production of the hybrid 500e is projected to commence in the first quarter of 2026 at the Mirafiori complex in Turin, Italy – Fiat’s hometown. This move signifies Fiat’s commitment to meeting market demands and adapting to changing consumer preferences.
With this new offering, Fiat aims to cater to a wider range of customers who are interested in transitioning to electric vehicles but may have been deterred by high prices. By providing a more affordable option, the company is giving aspiring electric vehicle owners the opportunity to experience the benefits of a hybrid model without breaking the bank.
Overall, Fiat’s strategic decision to introduce a hybrid 500e is a response to market demand and a way to make electric vehicles more accessible to a broader audience. With its combination of petrol and battery power, the hybrid 500e offers consumers a viable alternative and represents a significant step forward in Fiat’s commitment to sustainable mobility.
