Abarth 500e: Scorpion Electrified!

With great pride, Abarth's CEO, BEV engineer, and designer present their first electric creation. The Abarth 500e is nothing less than the logical and modern evolution of the 695 – more performant, sportier, and now also available for order in the Metaverse. Various diagrams extol the superiority of the electric dwarf over the combustion-engine racing dwarf. However, the sound of the electric vehicle is modeled on the 695 and can be played electronically.

The electric vehicle is supposed to be faster than the combustion engine

The Abarth 500e is essentially a 500e with a bit more power. Instead of 87 kW/118 hp, now 114 kW/155 hp pull at the front wheels. In addition to the higher power, optimizations have also been made to the inverter, and the modified transmission gearing provides more torque (235 Nm). The track width has been increased, and the springs, dampers, steering, and suspension have been tuned more sportily. The 42.2 kWh battery (37.8 kWh usable) should provide a range of 242-265 kilometers, depending on the variant. But who really cares about the range on the racetrack? According to Abarth, the electric vehicle should take a full second per lap off the smaller and much lighter 695.

How does the electric vehicle perform on the racetrack?

The track at Balocco was built in 1962 as a test track by Alfa Romeo and now serves as the corporate testing ground with over 80 kilometers of track on 26 different race circuits. We take the first laps with the combustion-engine 695 with the manual transmission. The racing dwarf is fun, but after switching to the Abarth 500e, it becomes clear: the electric vehicle can do almost everything better. The electric vehicle steers much more precisely, rides sportily but still comfortably enough, and provides surprisingly good traction on the soaking wet racetrack. The typical front-wheel-drive understeer is surprisingly well manageable. Thanks to the small battery, the weight of the Abarth 500e is kept in check. Still, with a length of just 3.63 meters and modest engine power, 1,410 kilograms (295 kilograms of which are for the battery) is quite a lot on the racetrack. Of course, this gives the electric vehicle a much more grounded feel on the road than the 1,100-kilo 695. But somehow, we miss the Abarth-typical, zippy, and slightly nervous driving sensation.

Engine Sound from the Can

The sound of the Abarth 500e has been electronically simulated by the engineers. Waterproof speakers are installed in the rear wheel arches and can make the electric vehicle roar upon request. Inside, this is barely audible – the Abarth-like engine noise is meant for the audience.

Back on the racetrack – the electric Abarth 500 can be swiftly maneuvered through tight corners, but on the long straightaways, we were surprised by its restrained acceleration. From zero to one hundred in seven seconds, the forward momentum is capped at 155 km/h.

What does that mean?

For a hefty price starting at 38,000 euros, you get a charming, small speedster with an upgraded interior, great seats, and – compared to the 500e – a significantly sportier driving experience. The range of 265 km according to WLTP is rather modest, especially since it shrinks to under 200 kilometers when exploiting the fun potential. True Abarth enthusiasts will likely only consider this a minor issue.