The world of industry and business works in twisted ways… So Fiat was forced to create the 500e in order to comply with the California Air Resources Board (or CARB) average emissions requirements, which they did, and actually created a fun little EV in the process too (according to the reviews).
However, it’s costing them an arm and a leg to manufacture, and they’re actually losing a heck of a lot of money for each one they make. Reuters quotes the Fiat group CEO, Sergio Marchionne: “I hope you don’t buy it because every time I sell one it costs me $14,000. I’m honest enough to tell you that.”
The 500e range kicks off at $32,500 before federal tax credits kick in, but it’s obviously not enough to cover the manufacturer’s own associated costs.
Fiat doesn’t reveal its 500e sales charts, but Marchionne made it clear that he will sell no more of them than they have to in order to comply with the Californian regulations to keep selling their other cars there.
By Andrei Nedelea
PHOTO GALLERY
