Abarth 500e (2023) represents a switch to electric power rated for petrol-beating turns of speed and three driving modes

The Fiat-affiliated automotive group Abarth may have been around since 1949; however, it has taken it until 2022 to go electric with its latest take on the 500e. The new car is touted to have gotten even zippier and more fun with its switch to a 113.7kW motor.

Its rated 155 horsepower is touted to beat the comparable, albeit gas-powered, 695 in various driving conditions and situations; for example, it is rated to take 1 second less to go from 60 to 100 kilometers per hour (km/h, or ~37-62 miles per hour (mph)), and, thus, to beat the 695 around the Misto Alfa Handling Track by more than a second.

Then again, Abarth never does quite give an overt 0-100km/h time for the new 500e at its debut. In addition, its relatively small 42kWh battery to sustain its "most responsive and exciting" driving experience. It can charge to 80% in 35 minutes, though - so long as the owner has access to a source of 85kW fast charging.

Nevertheless, Abarth has set the first-gen electric 500e up to support 3 driving modes: "Tourismo", which limits power to 100kW and torque to 220Nm instead of its maximum of 235Nm for potentially smoother acceleration with improved efficiency; a "Scorpion Street mode" in which a one-pedal technique results in regenerative braking on deceleration, and an 'unlocked' Scorpion Track mode.

Abarth has equipped its inaugural e-car with the Uconnect smart system, complete with a 10.25-inch Radio Touchscreen that also supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The vehicle also has ADAS that encompasses lane-keeping; cruise control; emergency auto-brake alert to cyclists and pedestrians and traffic light-tracking.

The group has also ensured that this 500e expresses its "DNA" with an updated build with various "aggressive" mouldings; "signature" LED headlights and logos all over its Alcantara-finished cabin.

They are all found in the car's "launch edition", the appropriately-named Scorpionissima, which will be available in cabrio or hatchback versions and in Acid Green or Poison Blue colorways.

Abarth did not mention how much the 500e Scorpionissima will cost, although its "community members" get an exclusive first chance to find out, as they are privy to the first month of its pre-booking period in Europe.

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