Fiat Brings Back Gas-Powered 500 To Boost Sales After 500e Struggles

Fiat’s electric 500e didn’t quite win over buyers like they hoped, so now the company is bringing back a gas-powered version to give the little city car a second chance. Production has already started at their Mirafiori plant in Italy, with customer deliveries expected by November.

Fiat hopes to build around 5,000 units by the end of the year. This new version is being pitched as the “practical ”500”—easier on the wallet than the EV, with prices starting at around €17,000 (about $20,000).

That’s roughly €5,000 less than the electric model, making it more appealing to budget-conscious buyers. It’ll come in three familiar body styles: hatchback, convertible, and the quirky 3+1 with a tiny rear-hinged door. Under the hood is a modest 1.0-liter mild-hybrid three-cylinder engine borrowed from the old 500 and Panda, paired with a manual gearbox. Visually, it’s nearly identical to the Fiat 500e, aside from a small grille tweak up front.

This move is also about keeping the Turin plant busy, which has been running well below capacity. But it’s a bit of a balancing act. While the gas model could boost sales, it might also make it harder for Fiat’s parent company, Stellantis, to meet strict EU emissions rules.

For fans of sporty Abarths, don’t expect a hot gas version. That’s now strictly electric territory with models like the Abarth 500e and 600e. In short, Fiat’s hedging its bets—offering a more affordable option without fully letting go of electric dreams.