2023 Fiat 500e electric car to cost nearly $55,000 drive-away in Australia

The 2023 Fiat 500e electric city car is expected to cost close to $55,000 drive-away when it arrives in Australian showrooms later this year – double the price of the most expensive petrol-powered model.

Information published in a third-party industry pricing guide indicates the new 500e will cost $52,500 plus on-road costs – more than double the price of the flagship version of the petrol-powered Fiat 500, at $25,800 plus on-road costs.

In Europe, the Fiat 500e is available with a choice of 'short-range' (28kWh battery pack) or 'long-range' (42kWh battery pack) configurations.

In Australia, initially only the 42kWh version will be available, with an estimated price close to $55,000 drive-away once on-road costs are included.

Other electric cars in this price range include the BYD Atto 3 Extended Range ($51,011 plus on-road costs) and Hyundai Kona Electric Elite ($54,500 plus on-road costs) – however these vehicles are larger, five-door SUVs with longer driving range than the Fiat 500e.

The closest rival to the Fiat 500e in Australia is the similarly retro-designed three-door Mini Cooper SE electric hatchback, though the Fiat is smaller. 

Details such as standard features and options for the Fiat 500e in Australia are expected to be confirmed next month.

As reported in December 2022, government documents show the Fiat 500e will be initially sold in Australia with a single battery and motor layout.

An 87kW electric motor will drive the city car’s front wheels, powered by a 42kWh battery pack with 320km of claimed driving range (based on the European WLTP standard).

Documents showed at least two variants of the Fiat 500e may be sold in Australia, with buyers offered the choice of 16- or 17-inch wheels, a sunroof, and two types of headlight technology.

As revealed in November 2022, a higher-output variant from Fiat's Abarth performance division is also expected to make its Australian debut before the end of this year, producing up to 114kW and 235Nm from its electric motor.

Australian features and specifications for the Fiat 500e are due to be announced next month before deliveries begin from July 2023.