Abarth to go all-electric in 2024, zero-emissions hot hatch likely

Abarth – the performance off-shoot of Italian car maker Fiat – has confirmed plans to go electric-only in 2024, as part of its master brand's plans for a fully-electric line-up in Europe by 2025.

Announced as part of parent company Stellantis' EV (electric vehicle) Day event overnight, Abarth will transition to a 100 per cent electric line-up in 2024.

The most likely electric Fiat model to receive the Abarth treatment is the new-generation, all-electric 500 city car, launched in Europe in 2020 with an 87kW front-mounted electric motor and a 42kWh battery – specifications the high-performance version should comfortably exceed.

However, it's also possible Abarth's new portfolio could include a hot version of one of Fiat's four new vehicles due in 2023 or 2024, all of which will offer all-electric options.

Fiat will also benefit from a new small dedicated electric platform developed by Stellantis (known as STLA Small) which will support compact cars and SUVs from 3650mm to 4250mm long, and from 1700mm to 1800mm wide – covering vehicles from the 'micro' Fiat 500, to the taller Jeep Renegade compact SUV.

The platform supports electric motors developing up to 180kW, paired to batteries with capacities up to 82kWh, and all-electric driving ranges up to 500km – perfect for a small hot hatch wearing Abarth branding.

An electric Abarth hot hatch would serve as an indirect replacement for the current Abarth 595 – powered by a 132kW turbocharged petrol engine – and would line up against the upcoming Renault 5 Alpine, a Ford Fiesta ST-sized, front-wheel-drive electric hot hatch packing a 160kW electric motor and a 60kWh battery.

Don't expect an electrified return for the 124 Spider convertible, as despite the outgoing model's Mazda MX-5 twin under the skin being slated to adopt hybrid power by 2030, it's unlikely Fiat will be able to make the business case stack up for another compact sports car, given the sales

Further details of Abarth's new electric range will be announced in due course.