Abarth Nuova 500e is a faster Fiat EV, and it’s coming to Australia

November 30, 2022November 30, 2022 John Carey 4413 Views abarth

The Nuova Abarth 500e is a tiny EV with big-time performance. Developed by Fiat’s performance sub-brand, this go-fast derivative of the four-seat Nuova 500e goes into production early next year.

It’s headed for Australia, too. The Abarth will arrive late in 2023 confirms Stellantis Australia spokesperson Tracie Stoltenburg. It’ll top the Fiat Nuova 500e line-up.

The little Fiat EV went into production in 2020 and regularly heads the monthly EV sales charts in Italy. Fiat, including Abarth, has ambitions to expand EV sales into markets outside Europe. Stellantis Australia confirmed back in mid-2022 that the Nuova 500e would come to Australia.

This is the Scorpionissima limited-edition launch model of the Abarth Nuova 500e

While the Nuova 500e is sold with 23kWh and 42kWh packs, the Abarth will be produced only with the larger battery. The big performance boost that’s one of its main selling points is delivered by a more powerful motor.

Maximum power and torque outputs of the Abarth’s synchronous electric motor, which drives the front wheels through a single-speed transmission, are 114kW and 235Nm.

Abarth claims its 500e accelerates 0-100km/h in exactly 7.0 seconds. That’s two seconds quicker than a Fiat 500e with the same 42kWh battery but an 87kW motor.

Hi-vis Acid Green colour is one of two options for the Scorpionissima. The other is called Poison Blue

The other claim Abarth makes is that its 500e laps the Misto (Mixed) Alfa handling track at Stellantis’s Balocco proving ground in northern Italy faster than its version of the ICE-powered Fiat 500, the 595. Even though the turbo four of the 595 is a little more powerful and the car weighs less.

According to Abarth, the 500e’s obvious handling superiority is down to the more even distribution of weight between its front and rear axles.

The chassis and brakes of the Abarth 500e are upgraded, and its 18-inch wheels wear wide tyres. Inside, a new, flat-bottom steering wheel design is the big change. In its centre is Abarth’s scorpion logo. There are sporty new Alcantara-covered front seats, too.

Gear selection push-buttons mounted low and central in dash reduce cabin clutter

While Abarth isn’t disclosing the driving range of its 500e, it’s sure to be a little lower than the Fiat versions with the 42kWh battery pack. Expect something a little under 300km in the WLTP combined test.

Charging tech is unchanged compared to the Fiat 500e. The CCS Combined charge port can take up to 85kW from a DC fast charger, better than many other of the small EVs sold in Europe. It’s on-board AC charger will take up to 11kW.

Both hatch and cabrio versions of the Nuova Abarth 500e will be produced by Fiat’s Mirafiori factory in Turin. First off the line will be a launch special called Scorpionissima.

It’ll have all the optional equipment, including a sound generator that mimics the exhaust note of petrol-burning Abarth engines of the past. Only 1949 examples will be built, commemorating the year Abarth was founded.

Abarth’s headlights get a new angry-eye design

The Scorpionissima will start from a steep €43,000. That’s the equivalent of $66,000 in Australia… and the same price as asked in Europe for a top-of-the-range Nissan Leaf or mid-grade Cupra Born.

Prices of the regular Nuova Abarth 500e, should it come to Australia, are sure to be a few thousand less. Even so, it’ll be a very small car that costs a not-so-small fortune.

John Carey

Grew up in country NSW, way back when petrol was laced with lead. Has written about cars and the car business for more than 35 years, working full-time and freelance for leading mags, major newspapers and websites in Australia and (sometimes) overseas. Avidly interested in core EV technologies like motors and batteries, and believes the switch to electromobility definitely should be encouraged. Is waiting patiently for someone to make a good and affordable EV that will fit inside his tiny underground garage in northern Italy, where he's lived for the past decade. Likes the BMW i3, but it's just too damned wide...