Abarth Rethinks Electric Future as Sales Plummet

Abarth, Fiat's performance division, is reportedly contemplating a return to combustion engines following a challenging transition to an all-electric lineup. The brand currently offers only electric versions of the Fiat 500 and 600 crossover in Europe. However, sales figures suggest this move has not yielded the anticipated boost, with UK registrations plummeting to just 291 vehicles in the past year, a stark contrast to the previous year when the petrol Abarth 595 was on sale.

This potential pivot aligns with Fiat's broader reevaluation of electric vehicle demand, which has been weaker than expected for some models. Fiat has already adapted its electric-first 500 to include a hybrid powertrain and launched the Grande Panda with flexible engine options, including petrol and hybrid. Sources indicate Abarth is developing a high-performance version of the Grande Panda, though its powertrain and production are unconfirmed.

Senior management has hinted at building on Abarth's heritage, suggesting a Grande Panda-based performance model. Crucially, Abarth acknowledges that many customers value the auditory experience and tactile feedback of petrol engines, elements that electric cars struggle to emulate. This sentiment echoes Lamborghini's recent decision to postpone its EV plans due to waning demand among its target demographic, highlighting a potential market preference for emotional engagement over pure electric performance.