Fiat Ditches Petrol 500 for $50k Electric Hatch in Australia

In a bold step towards embracing clean energy, Fiat has announced that it will no longer import petrol-powered cars to Australia. The Italian carmaker has ceased bringing in the ageing 500 series, leaving its lineup with light commercial vehicles and an electric hatch – the Fiat 500e.

The Fiat 500’s Legacy

The Fiat 500 has been a stalwart in the automotive industry for over 17 years. First launched in 2007, the model received a facelift in 2016. Now, only a single variant remains in Australian showrooms – the $28,900 Dolcevita. However, Fiat’s decision to stop importing petrol vehicles means that the new Fiat 500e will now be the company’s flagship model in Australia.

The Fiat 500e: A Ground-Up Model

Unlike the Fiat 500, which is based on an older model, the 500e is a completely new model built on an updated platform. The electric vehicle (EV) comes with a hefty price tag of $52,500 before on-road costs. Marketed in some countries as the New 500, the vehicle is available exclusively as an EV.

How is the Fiat 500e Faring?

According to recent reports, there were 133 deliveries of the Fiat 500e in the first six months of 2024, against 157 new petrol 500 and Abarth 595/695 registrations. While the numbers may suggest a relatively slow start, the shift towards electric vehicles is a long-term strategy that Fiat is keen to invest in.

What About Fiat’s Commercial Vehicles?

Despite being more expensive than any version of the 500 or 500e, the Fiat Ducato, a turbo-diesel van sold under the Fiat Professional banner, recorded 533 deliveries over the same period. This demonstrates the strong demand for commercial vehicles in the Australian market.

The Future: Fiat 500 Ibrida

While the Fiat 500’s run with pure petrol power appears to be nearing its end globally, Fiat announced the launch of a new hybrid 500 ‘Ibrida’. This model is expected to debut on the same platform as the 500e, following reduced demand for EVs. Although Fiat hasn’t disclosed drivetrain details for the 500 Ibrida, it’s expected to use the same 1.0-litre mild-hybrid three-cylinder engine the outgoing model has had overseas since 2020. However, the Fiat 500 Ibrida hasn’t been confirmed for Australia yet.

Fiat’s move to stop importing petrol vehicles to Australia is a significant step towards the global shift to green energy. With the introduction of the Fiat 500e and the potential launch of the Fiat 500 Ibrida, it’s clear that Fiat is committed to a cleaner, greener future.