When Abarth unveiled its all-new 600e late last year, there was hope the sporty subcompact would breathe new life into the brand’s all-electric future. On paper, the specs seemed promising: 280 horsepower, a mechanical limited-slip differential, and aggressive styling wrapped into a compact, Euro-flavored package. But here we are, halfway through 2025, and things aren’t looking good.
According to industry data, only 318 units of the Abarth 600e have been sold through the first six months of the year. That averages out to just over 50 units per month—a huge miss compared to internal forecasts. For a performance model carrying the Abarth name, that’s alarmingly low.
Part of the problem? Price. With a sticker north of €40,000 (about $44,000), the 600e lands in a weird spot. It’s too expensive for entry-level EV buyers and not compelling enough to pull enthusiasts away from more established hot hatchbacks—or even affordable performance SUVs. And let’s not forget, this isn’t just a Fiat—it’s an EV Fiat trying to win over purists who grew up loving the turbocharged, high-revving, gas-powered Abarth 500s and 595s.
To make matters worse, the Abarth 600e isn’t the only model underperforming. Its electric sibling, the 500e Abarth, has also struggled to move units. The entire Abarth brand has sold just 1,030 cars across Europe so far in 2024. That includes 558 units of the 500e and only 154 examples of the 595/695 internal combustion models. Compare that to over 4,800 units during the same timeframe in 2023—and that year was already considered weak.
It’s become increasingly clear that trying to go “EV-only” with Abarth might have been too much, too soon. Europe’s EV market isn’t growing fast enough to support niche performance brands, and enthusiasts still crave the roar and rawness of a gas engine.
Now, word is circulating that Stellantis may be rethinking its strategy. Rumors hint at a return to internal combustion power for Abarth, with hopes of winning back fans turned off by the silent, sterile experience of an electric drivetrain. With newly appointed CEO Antonio Filosa at the helm, there’s speculation that the Scorpio badge may pivot back toward its high-revving roots.
While no official announcement has been made, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see a new gas-powered Abarth concept down the line—one designed to remind buyers why they fell in love with the brand in the first place.
Source: Everyeye.it
No replies yet
Loading new replies...
Join the full discussion at the Mopar Insiders Forum →