Nobody Wants The Fiat 500e
Stellantis has extended the production halt of its Fiat 500e electric city car until November 1 due to sluggish demand in Europe.
This decision affects the iconic Mirafiori plant in Turin, Italy, where the 500e is manufactured. The production halt was only supposed to last until October 11, reflecting broader concerns about the weakening EV market across the continent.
Stellantis attributed the downturn to “deep trouble” in Europe’s electric car market, a sentiment shared by many automakers who have been forced to reevaluate production and investment plans for their EV lineups. While other OEMs have made valiant EV efforts, the same should not be said about Stellantis' attempts to electrify.
The Fiat 500e is a key part of Stellantis’ strategy for urban EVs. Known for its compact size and retro charm, the 500e comes equipped with a 24 kWh or 42 kWh battery pack, offering ranges of up to 118 miles or 199 miles, respectively.
Despite its modern upgrades, the vehicle still struggles to capture a strong foothold in the highly competitive European EV market, which is facing challenges due to shifting government incentives and increased competition.
Stellantis remains committed to the 500e, pledging a 100-million-euro investment to upgrade the car with a high-performance battery. Additionally, a hybrid variant is set to begin production in early 2026, indicating that Stellantis is exploring diversified powertrains for the struggling model.
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An experienced automotive storyteller known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge and experience having been part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic and built cars that raced in TCR, IMSA, and IndyCar.
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