Gear up, folks! The all-new Abarth 500e in its dazzling ‘Acid Green’ avatar is here to electrify the electric vehicle (EV) world. Eschewing subtlety, Abarth is ready to make a bold statement with this high-powered, electric version of their ever-popular Fiat 500.
From the Heart of the Beast: A 149bhp and a 42kWh Battery
The highlight of the Abarth 500e is the robust 149bhp motor, powered by the same 42kWh battery used in the top-range Fiat. With its 173lb ft of torque, this electric hot hatch promises an enhanced urban and suburban driving experience that’s even more exciting than the combustion-driven Abarth 500s we’re so used to seeing.
Furthermore, with improved weight distribution and a wider wheelbase, the 500e is visually appealing and promises a smoother and more enjoyable ride. The EV version can propel itself from 0-62mph in just 7.0 seconds, outpacing its combustion predecessor, the 178bhp 695, on the Misto Alfa test track at Balocco.
Drive Modes, Fast Charging, and Unmistakable Sounds
Offering three drive modes – Turismo, Scorpion Street and Scorpion Track – the Abarth 500e caters to every driving scenario. Fret not about battery drain with the 85kW fast charging feature, enabling quick refuelling after a zealous drive.
Abarth also plays with sonics, integrating a ‘guitar sound’ when you hit ignition, a ‘strumming guitar’ as you cross 12mph and a ‘sound generator’ that mimics the hum of a generic petrol engine.
The “Scorpionissima” Launch Edition
The launch edition, as the name indicates, comes fully-loaded with every possible option. This includes 18-inch diamond-cut wheels, a 10.25-inch central touchscreen, and a 7.0-inch digital dial display. A notable highlight is the new ‘electrified’ scorpion logo, showcasing an electrified scorpion and symbolising the leap into the EV market.
Wrapping it Up
Abarth’s leap into the EV market with the 500e is certainly a cause for celebration. The power, the style, and the features are all there. But as always, the real test will be how the 500e performs on the road and in the market. Time will tell if this electric hot hatch becomes as much a staple on our streets like its combustion predecessors.
