Jump over to Fiat’s USA web site and you will find two autos listed. Only one—the 500X—has a combustion engine. And that trim has been dropped for 2024. The different is the 500e, contemporary and new with a well-known face hiding a completely electrical powertrain. But that might change quickly, in line with a latest report from Automotive News Europe.
It appears Fiat is contemplating an inner combustion possibility for the 500e. The automaker reportedly contacted suppliers asking for quotes to extend 500e manufacturing, which, by itself is not a giant signifier. But the quote talked about electrical and gasoline fashions, with nearly all of manufacturing going to an ICE model of the automotive. Automotive News Europe confirmed the existence of the message however acquired no additional remark from Fiat. We additionally contacted Fiat and acquired no touch upon the matter.
While only a rumor at this level, there are quite a few causes to consider Fiat is no less than contemplating a brand new gas-powered 500. It’s no secret that EV demand is dropping; all producers are experiencing a slowdown, even Tesla which just lately slowed production at its plant in China. In Europe, the 500e had a profitable launch with manufacturing reaching 77,500 items in 2022. Per the report, Fiat had hopes of hitting 90,000 items in 2023 however as an alternative fell backward barely to 77,260 automobiles. Earlier within the 12 months, the automaker dialed again 500e manufacturing by chopping a shift on the manufacturing unit.
There’s additionally the delay on Europe’s combustion engine ban, pushing the date from 2030 to 2035. For automakers attempting to develop new autos, having over a decade of inner combustion life again on the desk can actually open new avenues not beforehand thought-about. Among different issues, it opens the potential for a low-cost ICE mannequin for consumers whereas EV tech is fine-tuned.
How this would possibly come to fruition is unknown. The 500e was designed solely to be an electrical automobile. Fiat nonetheless makes a combustion-powered 500 for Europe, nevertheless it will not meet new EU emission laws and is slated to finish manufacturing later this 12 months. It’s additionally unknown if a brand new gas-fueled 500 would make it to US shores. If a brand new ICE 500 does occur, it can possible have a light hybrid engine and be available on the market in late 2025.