Abarth 500e Hatchback

Abarth 500e Overview

The Abarth 500e represents a bold reimagining of the iconic Italian hot hatch for the electric era. This compact three-door hatchback delivers genuine performance credentials while maintaining the brand’s legendary sporty character. Positioned as a premium city car with genuine driving dynamics, the Abarth 500e targets enthusiasts who refuse to compromise on fun when transitioning to electric mobility. The model clearly outperforms its cousin, the Fiat 500e, which offers just 118 hp and 220 Nm, making the Abarth variant the performance-focused choice in the segment.

Launched in May 2023, the Abarth 500e packs a powerful 113.7 kW electric motor delivering 155 hp and 235 Nm of instant torque—impressive specifications for its compact class. This extra power allows it to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7 seconds, two seconds faster than the Fiat version. The vehicle measures 3.67 meters long, 1.68 meters wide, and 1.52 meters high, with a modest 185-liter trunk but generous interior features including a 10.25-inch Uconnect touchscreen, 7-inch digital instrument cluster, and sport seats with integrated headrests. The Abarth 500e proves that the electric transition hasn’t killed the brand’s sporty spirit, delivering seat-pinning acceleration perfect for city traffic and spirited driving.

The Abarth 500e distinguishes itself through three exclusive driving modes—Turismo, Scorpion Street, and Scorpion Track—that fundamentally change the car’s character. Turismo mode prioritizes range by limiting power to 136 hp, while Scorpion Track unleashes the full 155 hp for maximum performance. This flexibility makes the Abarth 500e equally capable as a practical daily driver and an engaging weekend companion.

Abarth 500e Performance and Driving Experience

The Abarth 500e delivers genuine thrills despite its compact dimensions. The instant 235 Nm torque provides immediate acceleration that feels responsive in urban environments, where the Abarth 500e performs 50% faster than its petrol-powered Abarth 695 counterpart during city pickup from 12 to 25 mph. On hairpin bends, the Abarth 500e accelerates from 25 to 37 mph in just 1.5 seconds, demonstrating impressive agility. The electric motor’s instant power delivery transforms the driving experience, making the Abarth 500e feel more engaging on twisty roads than traditional city cars.

Three driving modes fundamentally alter the Abarth 500e’s behavior. Scorpion Street maximizes regenerative braking, simulating engine braking effects for one-pedal driving capability. Scorpion Track sacrifices range for maximum performance, unleashing the full 155 hp for the sportiest driving sessions. This versatility makes the Abarth 500e equally capable as a practical commuter and a spirited weekend driver.

Abarth 500e Range and Battery Specifications

The Abarth 500e delivers practical range for daily commuting and weekend adventures. The 42 kWh lithium-ion battery provides 265 km (164.66 miles) of WLTP-rated range, with real-world range varying between 160 to 345 km depending on driving conditions, weather, and driving style. The Abarth 500e achieves impressive energy efficiency at 17.1 kWh/100 km (27.52 kWh/100 miles), translating to 5.8 km/kWh or 3.6 miles per kWh. Cold weather conditions reduce range to approximately 225 km in city driving, a realistic consideration for winter months.

The battery technology features a 400V lithium-ion architecture with 37.3 kWh usable capacity from the 42 kWh gross capacity. The battery weighs 294 kg and sits below the floor, optimizing the Abarth 500e’s center of gravity and interior space. This placement contributes to the responsive handling characteristics that make the Abarth 500e feel more engaging than typical city cars.

Abarth 500e Charging Times and Options

The Abarth 500e supports multiple charging solutions for different scenarios. Home charging via Level 2 (240V/7kW) takes approximately 6-7 hours for a full charge, while faster 11 kW charging reduces this to around 4 hours. DC fast charging proves most practical for longer journeys, with the Abarth 500e capable of accepting up to 85 kW peak charging speed, enabling 10-80% charging in approximately 30-35 minutes. The onboard 11 kW charger provides flexibility for home installations, making the Abarth 500e practical for daily use without relying exclusively on public infrastructure.

Abarth 500e vs Competitors

The Abarth 500e occupies a unique position in the compact electric hatchback segment. Compared to the Fiat 500e, the Abarth 500e delivers significantly more power (155 hp vs 117 hp) and faster acceleration (7 seconds vs 9 seconds to 100 km/h), justifying its premium positioning. Against the Hyundai i20 Electric and similar competitors, the Abarth 500e emphasizes driving engagement and performance over maximum range, appealing to enthusiasts prioritizing fun over practicality. The Abarth 500e’s three performance-focused driving modes provide more dynamic control than most competitors in this segment, making it the choice for drivers who want genuine excitement from their electric city car.