Abarth 500e: electric even in Italian cities

Abarth recently updated the aging previous-generation petrol 500 for 2023, but this strikingly painted little hatchback is a completely different car. The latter is based on the latest iteration of the popular Italian model, meaning there is no internal combustion engine under the hood. Instead, an electric motor drives the front wheels and offers more power than a conventional electric vehicle with the parent company's badge. It is a 500e model, to which Zmka adds some of its own spices.

While the regular Fiat 500e offers 117 horsepower and 220 newton meters of torque, the equivalent Abarth version raises that number to 155 horsepower and 235 newton meters of torque. Up to 100, the electrician thus accelerates a full two seconds faster than the normal 500e. So in 7 seconds.

Abarth ran some tests to see how much faster the electric hatchback was compared to the 695 and its 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine. They claim it accelerates from 20 to 40 km/h, even a second faster. A track comparison showed that the EV was a second faster on the Misto Alfa Romeo circuit than the Abarth 695.

The spicy 500e was equipped with the larger of the two batteries available for the cute electric vehicle. It is a 42-kWh pack that can be charged up to 85 kW. Approximately 40 kilometers of range is available after five minutes of plugged-in car, while a 35-minute charge charges the battery up to 80 percent.

The launch edition, called the Scorpionissima, will be limited to 1,949 units as a nod to Abarth's founding year. You can get it in this attractive color Acid Green or Poison Blue, which are combined with side graphics. The lively electric hatchback rides on exclusive 18-inch wheels and has a selection of upgrades: a fixed glass roof, tinted rear windows, sporty metal pedals and steel door sills.

The body-hugging front seats are heated and wrapped in Alcantara combined with double stitching. The seats have built-in headrests with a laser-engraved updated Abarth logo in acid green, which is also found on the steering wheel. To the right of the 7-inch digital driver display is a 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Although it is a small car, the Abarth 500e is packed with features. These include automatic headlights and windshield wipers, keyless entry, wireless smartphone charging, a 360-degree camera, a JBL sound system and automatic climate control. A fake sound generator that mimics a petrol engine is included and thankfully it can be switched off.

The 2023 Abarth 500e is not just a hatchback, as it can also be purchased as a convertible with a black fabric roof and the same two body colors.