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After a remarkable 16-year reign, Abarth has confirmed the end of production for its iconic petrol-powered Abarth 500, officially marking the conclusion of the popular 595 model. This shift paves the way for the brand’s transition to electric powertrains, as it readies the all-new Abarth 600e for launch later this year.

The ICE-powered Abarth 500 has been a mainstay in the small hot hatch segment, recognised as one of the last models still powered by traditional internal combustion engines (ICE). Its retirement follows similar departures from the market, including the Hyundai i20 N and Ford Fiesta ST, signalling the industry’s broader pivot towards electrification.

Although production has ceased, dealers will continue offering new Abarth 500 models until the end of 2024. Abarth representatives confirmed that the remaining stock is expected to meet demand through the year. The decision to halt production comes just months after the limited release of the Abarth 695 75 Anniversario edition, of which only 1,368 units were produced, serving as a farewell tribute to the brand’s petrol heritage.

With the departure of the petrol-powered Abarth 500, enthusiasts are left with the electric Abarth 500e, which offers a less powerful but more environmentally conscious driving experience. This comes at a time when Abarth’s parent company, Fiat, is reevaluating its electric-only strategy. Slower-than-anticipated sales of the 500e have prompted Fiat to reintroduce an ICE hybrid version next year.

Meanwhile, the last-generation hybrid Fiat 500, sold alongside the 500e, will also be discontinued. Unlike the Abarth 500, however, Fiat plans to release a direct replacement for the hybrid 500, continuing its legacy in the small car market.

With the electric revolution taking hold, the end of the Abarth 500 marks the close of a chapter in automotive history. Enthusiasts and collectors alike will undoubtedly look back fondly on the legacy of one of the most beloved small performance cars of the modern era.

A recent study has unveiled a significant trend among Tesla owners in 2024 which is that the majority have opted to abandon their electric vehicles (EVs) in favour of combustion engine models. According to the study, only 32% of Tesla owners chose to remain with electric vehicles, while the majority made the switch to traditional combustion engines or other hybrid options.

Specifically, 51% of Tesla owners have transitioned to pure internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, 10% have moved to hybrid models, and 6% have opted for plug-in hybrids. These findings align with a recent McKinsey & Co. survey, which indicated that nearly half (46%) of EV owners in the U.S. are likely to revert to combustion-powered vehicles for their next purchase.

Despite this trend appearing alarming, the situation represents a notable improvement from previous years. In 2020, a significant 76% of Tesla owners abandoned their EVs for internal combustion engine vehicles, with only 9% choosing other electric models. Since then, the numbers have shown a steady decline in the rate of EV abandonment.

Tesla owners have historically demonstrated a strong tendency to exit the EV market. However, the gradual improvement in retention rates suggests that owning an electric vehicle in North America may be becoming less challenging. Still, the current figures indicate that substantial advancements are needed to make EV ownership more appealing to a wider audience.

Another key observation is that an increasing number of former Tesla owners are now purchasing electric vehicles from legacy automakers. This shift is not unexpected, given Tesla’s evolution from an EV pioneer to competing against a growing array of mainstream manufacturers in the electric vehicle segment.

Hybrids and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) have not gained substantial traction as alternatives to Teslas. While these vehicle types are becoming more popular among new car buyers, they appear less attractive to those who have previously owned electric vehicles. Notably, the proportion of Tesla owners switching to PHEVs is higher than the overall PHEV market rate, likely due to their previous experience with EV charging challenges.

The data highlights both the progress and ongoing challenges in the electric vehicle market, emphasising the need for continued innovation and improvement to retain and attract EV buyers.