Stellantis has revealed plans to spark a profit with every 2024 Fiat 500e sold, indicating a notable shift in the realm of electric vehicles. The company aims to achieve a feat that has eluded many in the space, including with small EVs akin to the Chevrolet Bolt. Unlike Fiat’s previous forays into the American electric supermini segment, outrageous leasing options may no longer be in play, but rather a focus on profitability.
Kevin Williams from InsideEVs discovered from Aamir Ahmed, the North American head of Fiat, that the 500e will not follow the typical trend of entry-level EVs, which often result in losses for manufacturers. The strategy highlights a contrast to other carmakers’ struggles with their EV economics.
Ahmed confidently asserted the fact that the 500e will be a profitable venture, stating, “We actually will make money on each unit sold,” thereby differentiating their approach from competitors.
The wider automotive industry is still grappling with the profitability of electric vehicles, with giants like General Motors forecasting a pivot to profitability only by 2025. The fact that Stellantis can make such a claim with the $34,000 500e is noteworthy, particularly in comparison to vehicles such as the Chevy Bolt, which have lower profit margins.
The higher price point of the 500e might signal its profitability, despite offering a shorter range than some competitors. Ahmed made it clear that unsustainable lease deals are not an option this time around, aligning with the company’s new direction.
With confidence in the pricing and market position, Fiat dismisses the possibility of repeating the extremely low lease offers of the past, focusing on a sustainable approach instead.
Despite executives often avoiding admissions of product giveaways, Fiat has experienced such a scenario with its previous 500e model, which suffered losses. Given the changing landscape, the brand now seems set on a course of profitability with its EV offerings.
The 500e’s success in the U.S. will depend on overcoming several obstacles, including America’s preference for larger vehicles, value expectations from consumers, and general EV adoption challenges. With every sale now contributing to the company’s bottom line, Stellantis’s gamble may indeed pay off.
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FAQs About the 2024 Fiat 500e Profit Strategy
- What makes the 2024 Fiat 500e different from other small EVs when it comes to profitability?
The 2024 Fiat 500e is designed to provide a profit for Stellantis with each unit sold, unlike many other small EVs that are often sold at a loss. - How much will the 2024 Fiat 500e cost?
The 2024 Fiat 500e is priced at $34,000. - Can we expect similar lease deals to the past with the new Fiat 500e?
No, Fiat’s North American head has indicated that such “epic lease deals” that were previously available are not sustainable and won’t be repeated. - When does General Motors expect to make a profit on their EVs?
General Motors anticipates turning a profit with their EVs in 2025. - What challenges face the Fiat 500e in the American market?
The 500e needs to navigate America’s preference for larger vehicles, consumer value perception for $30,000 vehicles, and general barriers to EV adoption.
Conclusion
The Fiat 500e’s expected profitability in 2024 marks a significant turning point in the electric vehicle market. Stellantis projects an optimistic financial outlook for their small EV, diverging from the industry trend of loss-leading electric vehicles. This endeavor reflects the evolving automotive landscape where electric vehicles are not only becoming more mainstream but can now be a source of profit even amidst challenges of market preferences and perceptions.