Fiat 500e : If you’ve been eyeing those adorable Italian electric cars zipping around the city but hesitating because of the price tag, now might be your moment. Fiat Australia has rolled out substantial drive-away pricing deals on both the regular 500e and the performance-focused Abarth 500e Scorpionissima, making these European EVs significantly more accessible to Australian buyers.
The timing couldn’t be better. As electric vehicle adoption continues to accelerate across Australia, these Italian beauties are positioning themselves as genuine alternatives to the flood of Chinese EVs dominating the affordable electric car space.
What’s Actually on Offer
The standard Fiat 500e La Prima has dropped from $52,500 plus on-road costs to $49,990 drive-away – a saving that puts more than $5,000 back in your pocket when you factor in registration, insurance, and other fees. Both the Fiat 500e and Abarth 500e deals run from July 10 through September 30, 2025, though they’re subject to stock availability.
Here’s what makes this deal particularly sweet: that $49,990 drive-away price includes everything you need to drive off the lot. No surprise fees, no hidden extras – just pure Italian style ready to hit Australian roads.
The sportier Abarth 500e Scorpionissima is also included in the promotional pricing, though it maintains its premium positioning at $60,500 before on-road costs. While this means the Abarth doesn’t get the same dramatic price reduction as its sibling, any deal on this limited-edition electric hot hatch is worth noting.
Why These Cars Matter Beyond the Price
Let’s talk about what you’re actually getting for your money. The Fiat 500e isn’t just another electric car – it’s a statement about choosing character over conformity. In a market increasingly dominated by similar-looking crossovers and SUVs, the 500e stands out with genuine Italian flair.
The electric 500e produces 87kW/200Nm from its front-mounted motor, achieving 0-100km/h in a claimed 9.0 seconds, though real-world testing suggests it’s actually quicker at around 7.9 seconds. More importantly, that instant electric torque makes it absolutely perfect for stop-start city driving.
The Abarth version cranks things up considerably. With 155kW and 235Nm, the Abarth 500e delivers a 0-100km/h time of just 7.0 seconds while offering up to 252 kilometers of WLTP driving range. Abarth claims the electric version is actually faster than the old petrol 695 in real-world acceleration scenarios, going from 20-40km/h, 40-60km/h, and 60-100km/h a full second quicker thanks to instant electric torque.
The Reality Check on Range and Practicality
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room – range. The 500e’s modest battery delivers around 320km of claimed range, but real-world usage typically sees closer to 250-280km depending on driving conditions. This isn’t a road trip car, and Fiat isn’t pretending it is.
But here’s the thing – most people don’t need 500km of range for their daily driving. The 500e excels at what it was designed for: stylish, efficient urban transport. Five minutes on a compatible fast charger can replenish enough range for daily 40km driving requirements, while a 10-80% charge takes around 35 minutes.
The interior space reflects the car’s city-focused mission. Rear seat space is genuinely tight, and the boot is compact, but the front seats are comfortable and the driving position is surprisingly commanding for such a small car. Think of it as a stylish two-seater with occasional rear seating rather than a proper four-door family car.
How It Stacks Up Against the Competition
In Australia’s current EV landscape, the 500e occupies a unique position. Chinese competitors like the MG4 and BYD Dolphin offer more space, power, and range for under $40,000, but they lack the distinctive character and premium feel of the Italian car.
The closest direct competitor is probably the Mini Cooper Electric, which offers similar retro charm with slightly more practicality. However, the Mini typically commands a higher price point, making the discounted 500e particularly compelling for buyers who prioritize style and heritage.
For those considering the Abarth version, you’re looking at a very exclusive club. The Scorpionissima is one of only 1,949 produced globally, with just 219 units allocated to Australia. This makes it not just a car purchase, but potentially a collector’s item.
What’s Driving These Deals
The Australian electric vehicle market has become intensely competitive, with new models arriving monthly and prices under constant pressure. These temporary discounts reflect the broader trend of EV price cuts as manufacturers fight for market share.
European brands like Fiat face particular pressure from aggressively priced Chinese EVs that offer impressive specifications at lower price points. However, what the Chinese cars can’t replicate is the intangible appeal of Italian design and the emotional connection many buyers feel with iconic brands.
There’s also speculation that these promotional prices could become permanent, with rumors of a lower-priced 500e variant in development to sit below the current La Prima model. This suggests Fiat is serious about competing in the increasingly crowded small EV segment.
Making the Decision
The current pricing makes the 500e genuinely competitive with mainstream EVs while offering something completely different in terms of design and character. If you’ve been waiting for European EV pricing to become more realistic, this could be your opportunity.
The key question is whether the 500e’s limitations – particularly around rear-seat space and range – align with your actual needs rather than your perceived requirements. For many urban buyers, the honest answer is that 250km of real-world range and limited rear space aren’t dealbreakers when weighed against the car’s charm and efficiency.
For the Abarth, you’re paying a premium for exclusivity, performance, and the bragging rights that come with driving something genuinely rare. With features like heated Alcantara seats, upgraded brakes and suspension, panoramic sunroof, and wireless charging, it’s fully loaded from the factory.
The current deals represent the most accessible pricing these Italian electric cars have seen in Australia. Whether that’s enough to sway buyers from more practical alternatives will depend on how much value you place on driving something with genuine personality in a world of increasingly anonymous transportation appliances.