Fiat Temporarily Halts Production of 500e Electric Car

Weak Demand Leads to Production Pause

Fiat has announced that it will temporarily shut down production of its 500e electric car due to weak demand in the European market. The production line at Stellantis’ Turin plant will be idled for four weeks starting September 13.

End of an Era

This production pause marks the first time since 2007 that no new 500s of any type will be built in Europe. The old combustion-powered 500, which didn’t meet new cybersecurity laws, went out of production this summer. While the model is still being built in North Africa, those versions are not eligible for sale in Europe.

Future Plans

Fiat has chosen not to update the old ICE 500 and instead focus on creating a new hybrid model, the 500 Ibrida. This hybrid car, which will accept a small combustion engine and electric motor, is expected to be ready by 2026. In the meantime, Fiat dealers will experience a shortage of vehicles for the next 18 months.

Industry Challenges

Fiat is not alone in facing lower-than-anticipated demand for electric vehicles. Other automakers, including Toyota, GM, Ford, Aston Martin, and Mercedes, are also adjusting their strategies to address this challenge. Some are extending the lifespan of existing combustion vehicles, while others are investing in the development of new models.