Initially released in 2020, the revamped Fiat 500e quickly made a name for itself as a coveted electric vehicle in Europe, capturing over 65,000 European sales last year alone.
Despite the enduring popularity of the prior 500 model with a traditional gasoline engine which boasted over 104,000 European sales in the same time frame, it is set to be discontinued in the coming month due to non-compliance with EU regulations concerning safety and cybersecurity.
Fiat has strategized not to lose the older 500’s market share and has decided to adapt the 500e to accommodate a gasoline engine. The specifics of the powertrain remain under wraps, but expectations point towards a mild-hybrid architecture using the 1.0-liter inline-3 from the preceding 500, known to produce 69 horsepower.
The gasoline-electric hybrid, branded the Fiat 500 Ibrida—a term which translates to “500 Hybrid”—is slated for a release window between the end of 2025 and early 2026, according to Fiat’s announcement last week. Despite the arrival of the 500e electric variant to the US market with the 2024 model year, Fiat has not disclosed any intentions of making the 500 Ibrida available in the US.
2024 Fiat 500e
The 500 Ibrida will be assembled at Fiat’s Mirafiori facility in Italy, sharing its production line with the 500e. On the other hand, the manufacturing of the older gas-powered 500 is currently in Poland, but Fiat is contemplating a transfer to Algeria to maintain supply for African and West Asian customers.
Whilst the price of the 500 Ibrida is not yet announced, anticipations suggest it will be slightly above the older 500, which starts around 18,000 euros (about $19,500) in European markets. This would present a considerable price advantage compared to the 500e, fetching a European price of 29,000 euros ($31,500) and starting at $34,095, destination charge included, in the US.
The debut of the 500 Ibrida could also hint at the possible arrival of a new Abarth 595 performance model—an update that the 500e has not witnessed. Despite this, the Abarth brand has shown interest in the electric vehicle segment.
FAQs about the Fiat 500 Hybrid (500 Ibrida)
When will the Fiat 500 Ibrida be released?
According to Fiat’s announcement, the release of the 500 Ibrida is scheduled between late 2025 and early 2026.
What powertrain will the Fiat 500 Ibrida use?
The 500 Ibrida is expected to use a mild-hybrid system featuring a 1.0-liter inline-3 engine, similar to the one used in the previous generation of the Fiat 500, which delivers 69 horsepower.
Where will the Fiat 500 Ibrida be manufactured?
Production of the Fiat 500 Ibrida will take place at the Mirafiori plant in Italy, where the electric 500e is also built.
Will the Fiat 500 Ibrida be available in the United States?
As of now, Fiat has not made any announcements regarding the availability of the 500 Ibrida in the United States.
How is the Fiat 500 Ibrida priced in comparison to the older 500 and the 500e?
Fiat has not confirmed pricing for the 500 Ibrida. However, it is expected to be only slightly more expensive than the older 500 model which starts at about 18,000 euros ($19,500) in Europe, making it significantly less expensive than the electric 500e.