FIAT 500 LAUNCHES HYBRID VERSION WITH COMBUSTION ENGINE AFTER DECLINE IN ELECTRIC VEHICLE INCENTIVES IN EUROPE
Fiat 500 gains a hybrid version with a combustion engine after the drop in incentives for electric cars in Europe (Instagram @fiat)
The Fiat resumed the production of a combustion version of the 500, a model that had been launched exclusively as an electric (500e).
The new Fiat 500 Hybrid is being produced at the Mirafiori factory in Italy, using the same base as the electric 500. This decision came after the decrease in incentives for electric cars in various European countries, which increased the price of the model and alienated some consumers. Therefore, Fiat decided to launch a more affordable option, equipped with a combustion engine, to meet this demand.
Although it is called “Hybrid,” the new model has a very light hybrid system, likely based on the old 1.0-liter mild-hybrid engine that powered the previous generation of the 500. Indicators such as the visible manual gear lever in the images suggest that it will not use the more modern 1.2 hybrid powertrain with automated transmission present in other models from the brand. This indicates that the new 500 Hybrid is more of a car with an intelligent start-stop system than a full hybrid.
Fiat admits that the 500e did not meet the expected sales targets and had to halt production several times due to low demand, especially after the end of subsidies in Germany, a key market. Still, the brand claims that the 500 electric project was a success in terms of design and quality, and sees the new hybrid version as a way to keep the model competitive in the market and profitable for the Italian factory.
The forecast is that serial production of the new 500 Hybrid will begin in November 2025, with an annual capacity of up to 100,000 units. The price is expected to be close to the old version, which cost less than \$22,600, although a slight increase is expected due to safety equipment requirements and production in Italy (previously done in Poland).
There is no mention of an Abarth version with a combustion engine, as the small hybrid engine does not offer enough performance, and Fiat’s sports division will continue to focus only on electric vehicles.
Source: Car Magazine / Motor1.com | Photo: Instagram @fiat | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team