The Fiat 600e becoming cheaper than its petrol equivalent after the latest Government EV grant feels significant for more than just Fiat.

For FleetWise readers, it links directly to one of the biggest themes discussed in this week’s Better Fleet edition: uncertainty around EV costs and whether the numbers now genuinely stack up for everyday drivers and fleets.

Thanks to the £1,500 Electric Car Grant, the 600e now starts from £25,495, undercutting the mild-hybrid petrol version as well as some direct EV rivals.

That matters because one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption has been the perception that electric cars still carry a substantial upfront price premium. In some parts of the market, that gap is now starting to disappear.

For drivers, the 600e still delivers the sort of everyday practicality buyers expect from a compact crossover, with up to 254 miles of claimed range and standard features including a large touchscreen, rear parking sensors, and a heat pump to improve cold-weather efficiency.

The broader significance, however, is what this says about where the market is heading.

As explored in Better Fleet this week, many fleets are still hesitating because EV cost calculations feel uncertain or constantly shifting. But examples like the Fiat 600e show how quickly that picture can change once grants, tax advantages, fuel savings, and manufacturer pricing strategies start aligning.

For many fleets, the question is no longer simply whether EVs cost more. Increasingly, it’s which vehicles still justify staying petrol.