Abarth’s Electric Future: Bigger SUVs and No Turning Back to ICE

The legendary performance brand Abarth has shifted gears, leaving internal combustion engines (ICE) in the rearview mirror as it embraces an all-electric future. With stringent European emissions regulations driving costs sky-high for ICE models, Abarth has opted for a cleaner, more affordable alternative: electrification.

Saying Goodbye to Combustion Engines in Europe

While fans in South America still enjoy ICE-powered Abarth versions of Fiat’s Pulse and Fastback crossovers, Europe tells a different story. Abarth’s current lineup includes the electric 500e hot hatch and the 600e crossover, with no combustion-powered counterparts planned for the region.

Gaetano Thorel, head of Fiat and Abarth in Europe, confirmed that the company will not revive combustion engines due to excessive road tax for high-emission vehicles. “A combustion sports hatch emitting 180g/km in Italy could cost between €1,000 and €2,000 annually in taxes,” Thorel explained. “It’s better to offer electric cars that provide the same performance and enjoyment at a similar price point.”

No Hybrid Hopes for Abarth Fans

For those eyeing the 2026 Fiat 500 Ibrida as a potential hybrid Abarth, it’s a no-go. Thorel dismissed the idea, citing the mild-hybrid powertrain’s lack of performance. “A micro-hybrid doesn’t allow the power needed for a true Abarth,” he said, ensuring the Scorpion badge remains synonymous with thrilling performance.

Bigger Horizons: Abarth’s Electric SUV Ambitions

Despite its current electric lineup, Abarth isn’t limiting itself to compact hatchbacks. According to Thorel, “Abarth can be developed on anything as long as it has Abarth DNA. If an SUV is possible, why not?”

Hints about a larger electric SUV came earlier this year with Fiat’s Panda-themed concepts. A model like this, expected in 2027, could form the foundation for an Abarth SUV, enabling the brand to expand into untapped segments while staying true to its ethos.

Staying True to Carlo Abarth’s Vision

Abarth won’t venture into standalone models anytime soon. As Thorel clarified, “Carlo Abarth never built cars from scratch. Abarth DNA is about transforming existing models by enhancing their performance, dynamics, and sound.” Unlike rivals like Alpine, which blends standalone designs with tuned Renaults, Abarth will remain focused on pushing Fiat models to their sporty limits.

Conclusion

Abarth’s shift to an all-electric lineup marks a transformative step while staying true to its performance-driven roots. In Europe, the move away from internal combustion engines reflects the realities of strict emissions regulations and rising costs, making electrification both a practical and strategic choice.

With models like the 500e and 600e, Abarth continues to deliver the thrill of performance in a cleaner, more sustainable package. The potential introduction of a larger electric SUV by 2027 signals the brand’s ambition to expand into new segments, offering even greater appeal to a broader audience.

By focusing on tuning existing Fiat models, Abarth maintains its accessibility and stays true to Carlo Abarth’s legacy, proving that electrification can coexist with excitement. As the automotive landscape evolves, Abarth is firmly positioned to lead the charge in the electrified performance market, delivering innovation without compromising its heritage.

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