FIAT 500E ABARTH DEBUTS, BUICK ELECTRA E5 LEAKS, AND MERCEDES SUBSCRIPTION FOR POWER

EV Channels Review

This episode of InsideEVs Podcast covers several key EV developments. The Fiat 500e Abarth makes its debut, offering a performance-oriented version of the electric 500e with 155 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of 7 seconds. While praised for its hot hatch potential and appearance upgrades, reviewers noted it uses existing hardware and questioned if Abarth could have pushed performance further. The discussion also delved into Mercedes-Benz's controversial move to offer a performance boost via a yearly subscription for its EQE and EQS sedans and SUVs, which drew mixed reactions. While some see it as a potential revenue stream and a way to offer lower initial purchase prices, others criticized it as a frustrating microtransaction. The Buick Electra E5, an Ultium-based SUV, was revealed via leaks in China, with speculation about its potential US market arrival, though opinions were divided on its impact for the brand domestically. Finally, Tesla's decision to open its Full Self-Driving (FSD) beta to all purchasers, regardless of safety score, was discussed, with concerns raised about user education and responsible usage of the Level 2 system.