The new Fiat 500 e-Hybrid it could arrive in a full hybrid version. But isn't there already the 500 Hybrid? Yes, but the one on sale today is a “mild hybrid” or a 500 updated with a “light” hybridization obtained with the use of a BSG, Best Start Generator, positioned in place of the classic alternator, an electric motor of limited power which does not allow the 500 to move exclusively in electric mode with the combustion engine off.
Fiat 500 e-Hybrid
Stellantis already has the technical solution to make the 500 100% hybrid. It's about the 1,000 three cylinders of 70 HP Firefly with reversible alternator BSG connected to service belt (Starter Generator) powered by a 11 Ah lithium battery (0.15 kWh) at 12 Volts; a mild-hybrid technology that can be upgraded by switching to 48V and combining the Punch Powertrain's eDCT, consisting of a 6-speed gearbox, double clutch, a 21 kW electric motor and a small battery at 48 Volts which we already find on various models of the group such as the Jeep Avenger e-Hybridthe Renegade e-Hybrid and the Compass e-Hybrid.
FireFly engine or Puretech?
There 500 e-Hybrid could use the 1,000 3-cylinder, Firefly or Puretech turbo engines with 100 HP (with distribution chain), the latter also expected on the new Panda, which with a more advanced hybridisation compared to the mild, could revitalize production in the Turin plant in Mirafiori and make Stellantis employees sleep soundly but also meet a segment of potential customers who prefer a full hybrid, even if light, but with all the pluses of electric, such as starting with an electric motor, greater acceleration, silence in traffic where you only move on electric for short distances and at low speed, as well as a reduction in wear of the clutch, brakes and many other mechanical components.
This innovation could help increase production at Mirafiori which last year produced less than expected, 77,260 carswhile the introduction of a new semi-full-hybrid engine could increase production by up to 175,000 units per year.
The adoption of this technology will allow Fiat to definitively withdraw the old one, as this model will leave the production lines of Tychy in Poland, where production of the new one will begin Alfa Romeo Milantogether with Jeep Avenger and to Fiat 600.
Price
With the adoption of the 48V hybrid engine, the list price of the electric Fiat 500 could drop by at least 10,000 euros, placing it around 20,000/24,000 euros. Currently, the price of the electric Fiat 500 starts from 29,950 euroswhile the version mild hybrid it costs 17,700 euros. With the new incentives for the purchase of cars that will arrive, the 500e is facilitated up to 11,000 euros of incentive (13,500 with ISE).
The Fiat 500e, after a promising start in sales, suffered a significant slowdown. To revive sales and increase production a Mirafiorithe 500 e-Hybrid could be the winning move considering the success already of Fiat 500 Hybrid (very light hybrid), which recorded further 100,000 sales in Europe in 2023, compared to around 62,000 units (not a few) of the 500e.
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