Fiat 500e to Return in 2032 Despite Struggles with Current Model

Despite slow sales and repeated production pauses, Stellantis has confirmed plans to release a new generation of the Fiat 500e in 2032. The announcement comes amid a turbulent time for the automaker, with the current 500e struggling to gain traction in the market.

A Commitment to the Cinquecento – 

Jean-Philippe Imparato, Stellantis COO for the Enlarged Europe region, underscored the company’s commitment to the Fiat 500 lineup during a recent interview. “In Turin, we’ll have the European organization, plus the sales people, plus the hybrid 500, plus the future of the 500. This is a signal,” Imparato stated, reinforcing the automaker’s dedication to Italian production roots.

Stellantis is doubling down on its commitment to Italian manufacturing, vowing to keep the Mirafiori plant operational even as the automaker faces challenges in the electric vehicle (EV) market. The company has announced a €105 million ($108.8 million) investment to develop a new high-performance battery for the upcoming Fiat 500e, aimed at improving both range and performance.

A Struggling EV with Plans for Revival – 

The current Fiat 500e, launched as an all-electric model, has faced significant hurdles. Sales have been underwhelming, with fewer than 500 units sold by November 2024. Production at the Mirafiori plant has also been paused multiple times due to low demand. Most recently, Stellantis announced a shutdown from mid-December 2024 to late January 2025, impacting not only the Fiat 500e but also the Maserati GranTurismo and GranCabrio.

Critics point to the Fiat 500e’s limited range of 141 miles and its $32,500 starting price as key factors in its poor performance. In comparison, competitors like the Chevrolet Bolt and Mini Cooper Electric offer better range and value, leaving the 500e struggling to stand out.

Plans for a Hybrid Future – 

To broaden the Fiat 500 lineup and appeal to more buyers, Stellantis plans to introduce a mild-hybrid version of the 500. The hybrid, expected to debut by late 2025 or early 2026, aims to complement the all-electric model while giving customers more options.

Imparato is optimistic about the future of the 500 lineup, aiming for annual production of approximately 100,000 units once the hybrid and EV versions are available. “We need to rebuild trust with our customers and make the Fiat 500 a compelling choice again,” he stated in a recent interview.

Economic Uncertainty and Market Challenges – 

Stellantis acknowledges the difficulties in the current automotive market, with economic uncertainty and a growing debate over the future of personal mobility affecting consumer decisions. Imparato noted that many buyers remain undecided between electric, hybrid, or traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.

Globally, the EV market is evolving at different paces, with China leading the charge toward near-total electrification. Stellantis is working to streamline costs and improve technology to compete in this challenging landscape, aiming to balance innovation with affordability.