Fiat 500 Embraces Gas Engine Revival Amid Electric Dominance Shift

Apr 02, 2024 03:31 AM EDT

PHOTO OF PINK FIAT 500 CAR — (Photo : PEXELS/MIKE BIRD)

Fiat is thinking of offering a gas engine in the Fiat 500 range. According to reports, the manufacturer has requested estimates from suppliers in order to increase manufacturing of the 500e. Interestingly, the quotes encompass both electric and gasoline variants, hinting at a potential shift in focus towards an internal combustion option.

Gas Revival for Fiat 500

While Fiat initially placed its bets on the all-electric Fiat 500, recent market trends indicate a possible pivot as demand for electric models wanes. This deliberation marks a significant juncture for the Stellantis-owned brand as it navigates between electric and gas-powered offerings for the iconic Fiat 500.

According to a report from Automotive News Europe referenced by Electrek, Fiat recently sought quotations from suppliers to increase the production volume of the 500e model. The request aimed to elevate output levels at Stellantis's Miafiori facility located in Turin, Italy, from the previous year's production figure of 77,260 units to an impressive target of 175,000 units annually.

This strategic move underscores Fiat's commitment to scaling up manufacturing operations for the popular 500e electric vehicle, aligning with the brand's growth ambitions in the competitive automotive market.

One hundred thousand of the total are designated for internal combustion engine (ICE) versions. Confidentiality, however, surrounds this information because Fiat has not yet made an official declaration about this possible move. Reports from Il Corriere della Sera first made this change public, and Automotive News Europe later confirmed it.

This revelation is quite surprising and out of the ordinary, as it's uncommon to switch from an electric vehicle to a gasoline engine. Additionally, Fiat currently offers a traditional ICE version of the 500 manufactured in Poland, as well as a smaller model that existed long before the introduction of the 500e. The Fiat 500e was intended to assist in propelling the company towards its emission targets. Fiat has established a goal of transitioning into a fully electric brand by 2030.

Challenge for Fiat

As reported by CarScoops, the process of converting an electric vehicle never originally intended for a gasoline engine into a hybrid presents a significant challenge. Integrating the 1.0-liter, 69 hp (70 PS) three-cylinder FireFly mild-hybrid engine into this new configuration is not only peculiar but also time-intensive. The endeavor involves considerable effort to adapt the motor to its new application, followed by the lengthy homologation process.

Consequently, the anticipated mild hybrid version of the Fiat 500e is not expected to be ready for market release until late 2025 or early 2026, as outlined in the same report. This impending timeline suggests that Fiat's top-selling model in Europe will cease production this summer, resulting in an extended period without a replacement for dealers lasting over 18 months. This situation poses challenges for Fiat, particularly considering its relatively limited product offerings within the European market landscape.

Motor1.com detailed that the method by which this transition could occur remains uncertain. The Fiat 500e was specifically engineered to operate as an electric vehicle exclusively. While Fiat continues to manufacture a gasoline-powered 500 model for the European market, it falls short of meeting the stringent new emission standards set by the EU and is scheduled to cease production later in the current year.

The potential availability of a new gasoline-powered 500 in the US market remains unclear. Should the introduction of a fresh ICE 500 transpire, it is anticipated to feature a mild hybrid powertrain and potentially become available for purchase towards the end of 2025.