Abarth 500e 2024: all-electric hot hatch confirmed for Australian launch

The Italian brand claims that the 500e can drive up to 252km on a single charge

Abarth Australia has confirmed that the all-electric 500e will be launching locally by the year’s end.

Though exact timing of the model’s launch wasn’t revealed, the 500e will first land in a limited Scorpionissima trim “later this year”, which will be followed by the regular Turismo model.

Abarth 500e 2023 rear 3/4 wide — The Abarth 500e will land exclusively in hatchback guise

Once on the ground, it’s likely that the Abarth 500e will face competition from the likes of the Mini Electric Hatch and the Cupra Born.

Abarth 500e to land with single powertrain option

It has been confirmed that the 500e will be available with a powertrain that consists of a single electric motor on the front axle that produces 113kW and 235Nm of torque.

2023 Abarth 500e black driving on road — Venom black is one of the five available colours on the Abarth 500e

This sends power exclusively to the front wheels, and allows the 500e to hit 100km/h from a standing start in seven seconds flat.

Power comes from a 37.3kWh (usable) battery that gives the 500e a claimed range of up to 252km from a single charge. Using DC fast charging at a maximum rate of 85kW, it claimed an 80 percent charge takes around 35 minutes.

Key specifications for the ‘base’ electric Abarth 500e will include 18-inch alloy wheels, Alcantara-trimmed sport seats, a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with JBL-branded audio, and a 7.0-inch instrument cluster.

Abarth 500e 2023 wheel and screen — Green scorpion accents are present inside the 500e

Other standard features include adaptive cruise control, one-pedal driving functionality, a three-mode drive selector that offers a Scorpion Track setting, and sound generator technology that is said to replicate an Abarth internal combustion exhaust note.

The 500e will be offered in five colours, including Acid Green and Poison Blue hues new to the Abarth lineage that will first debut on the Scorpionissima variants.

Scorpionissima models to land locally first

Abarth 500e 2023 wheel design — The Scorpionissima variant features special decals

Limited to just 1949 models globally, the 500e Scorpionissima pays tribute to the year that Abarth was launched.

It has been confirmed that Australia will be receiving 219 Scorpionissima units, which are visually different from the standard models thanks to a decal pack. Owners will also get a digital certificate of authenticity.

Abarth also noted that despite the limited nature of the Scorpionissima variant, all standard equipment is shared with the Turismo model.