Here is the first electric model from the scorpion firm, the Abarth 500e, a car that is based on the same basics as the electric Fiat 500, but with some interesting adjustments.
Article updated on November 22 at 4:50 p.m. with official prices.
After an uncontrolled leak by the manufacturer a few days ago, Abarth is finally lifting the veil on its first 100% electric car: theAbarth 500e.
This model is obviously based on the basics of the electric Fiat 500, but with a few changes to make it a real Abarth. Also interestingly, the manufacturer involved its fans in the development of the car. Thus, thanks to various surveys on social networks, Abarth has thus determined several key elementsincluding its sound.
The most chic of electric sports cars?
As you can see in the photos, aesthetically the Abarth 500e looks like an electric Fiat 500, although there have been many changes, starting with the logos, the front, the rear, the rims of 18 inches or even this acid green hue that does not fail to attract attention.
The version pictured is a limited edition of 1,949 copies called “Scorpionissima”. This number echoes the builder’s date of birth. She will be available in coupe and convertible.
As standard, the Abarth Scorpionissima is fitted with tinted rear windows, specific pedals, sports seats in Alcantara and leather upholstery for the dashboard. It also benefits from several driver assistance technologies, such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot warning.
Inside, it’s also a copy-paste of the electric Fiat 500, and that’s good, since the car had rather seduced us at this level during our test.
The Abarth 500e relies on a UConnect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch screen that integrates GPS, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a JBL audio system and the Performance Pages, a function that displays numerous graphics and information for on-track use.
Official autonomy is not yet known
The 500e uses the same battery of 42 kWh than the 500 electric. Range is down to 260 km on the WLTP combined cycle. A Fiat 500e equipped with a 42 kWh battery is announced at 320 km according to the WLTP cycle, with consumption between 13.9 and 14.9 kWh / 100 km.
It can be recharged up to 85 kW in direct current and 11 kW in alternating current. The manufacturer announces about 35 minutes to go from 0 to 80%, while it is possible to recover about 40 km range in 5 minutes.
Performances of small sports
Now let’s move on to the engine. Abarth announces a power of 155 hp and 235 Nmfor a 0 to 100 km/h shot in 7 seconds (provided you have at least 90% battery capacity), which allows it to be ahead of a Mini Cooper SE (184 hp and 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds) and a Honda e (154 hp and 8.3 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h). The maximum speed is limited to 155 km/h.
The 500e displays an interesting time for times from 40 to 60 km / h with only 1.5 seconds announced, that is to say one second less than the 695 equipped with a 180 hp heat engine.
As you are aware if you follow automotive news diligently, electric cars have the obligation to emit a sound at low speed.
Abarth has developed a special sound up to 20 km/h. Beyond, an artificial sound generator has also been integrated in order to transcribe the sound of a combustion engine according to the driving modes.
Price and availability
The Abarth 500e is marketed from 43,000 euros in the sedan version, and 46,000 euros in the convertible version. A price similar to the Mini Cooper SE and Honda e with many options. The first deliveries will take place in the spring of 2023.
The pre-order phase will last until December 22 and is already open to members of the Abarth community to thank the 160,000 fans who participated in the “Performance Creators” project to develop certain characteristics of the car. It is possible to create a membership card quickly on the Abarth website.
For less than 100 euros/month, you can have an electric Twingo or a Dacia Spring. But by adding a few extra euros, the adorable little electric Fiat 500 can also be yours.
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