Abarth 500e vs NIO Firefly
Two electric Hatchbacks go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Abarth 500e
From $60,500
Hatchback
Electric
Electric
113kW
—
ANCAP: no data
185L
NIO Firefly
Price TBC
Hatchback
Electric
Single electric motor
105kW
—
ANCAP: no data
308L
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge — from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC — estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
37.3kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 85kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 85kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
44.9kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 100kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (7kW AC, 100kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Abarth 500e features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the NIO Firefly gets a 13.2-inch display and 6-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Abarth 500e stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and JBL audio that you will not find on the NIO Firefly. The NIO Firefly counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Abarth 500e uses a Electric producing 113kW and 235Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7 seconds.
The NIO Firefly responds with a Single electric motor making 105kW and 200Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.1 seconds.
The Abarth 500e has the clear power advantage at 113kW vs 105kW. In the real-world sprint, the Abarth 500e is 1.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 42kWh (Abarth 500e) vs 41.2kWh (NIO Firefly), giving WLTP ranges of 253km and 330km. DC fast charging peaks at 85kW (Abarth 500e) vs 100kW (NIO Firefly).
Space & Comfort
The Abarth 500e measures 3,673mm long on a 2,322mm wheelbase, 330mm shorter than the NIO Firefly at 4,003mm (2,700mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the NIO Firefly generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 185L in the Abarth 500e and 308L in the NIO Firefly, giving the NIO Firefly a 123L advantage. The NIO Firefly seats 5 vs 4.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.4m to 10.4m
Based on 9.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 3 years / 150,000km (Abarth 500e) vs 7 years / 150,000km (NIO Firefly). The NIO Firefly has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Abarth 500e if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Abarth's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the NIO Firefly if: You need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer NIO's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The NIO Firefly takes 4 of 7 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the NIO Firefly has a clear edge. The NIO Firefly adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Abarth 500e and NIO Firefly?
The Abarth 500e is the cheapest at $60,500 before on-road costs.
Which has the longest driving range?
The NIO Firefly has the most range at 427km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The NIO Firefly accepts the highest DC charging at up to 100kW.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Abarth 500e and NIO Firefly carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The NIO Firefly has the largest boot at 308L.
Which has the best warranty?
The NIO Firefly has the longest warranty at 7 years / 150k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Abarth 500e makes the most power at 113kW. The Abarth 500e is quickest to 100km/h in 7s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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