A new study from Self.Inc has revealed the Fiat 500e as the most affordable new car to own in the United States, with annual running costs far below its competitors. Despite this distinction, the Fiat 500e continues to see minimal sales, highlighting a disconnect between affordability and consumer demand.
Fiat 500e Tops the List for Low Ownership Costs
According to Self.Inc’s analysis of 50 popular new cars, the Fiat 500e stands out as the cheapest vehicle to own in America. The study found that the 500e’s annual running costs total just $3,557 (~AUD 4,968), making it significantly more affordable than other models in the ranking.
Key factors contributing to the 500e’s low costs include its small size and high efficiency, resulting in an average annual charging cost of $779 (~AUD 1,088). Insurance for the 500e also averages $779 (~AUD 1,088) per year, while maintenance costs come in at $1,275 (~AUD 1,781). Although annual fees and taxes are $724 (~AUD 1,011), slightly higher than some rivals, the overall savings remain substantial.
Sales Remain Weak Despite Affordability
Despite its status as the cheapest new car to own, the Fiat 500e has struggled to attract buyers. Fiat sold just 150 units of the 500e in the first half of 2026, an 81 percent decline from the 788 units sold during the same period in 2025.
Other Affordable and Expensive Models
The Honda Civic Hybrid is the next most affordable new car to own, with average annual costs of $4,833 (~AUD 6,750). The Hyundai Elantra N follows at $4,904 (~AUD 6,849), with low maintenance costs of $1,278 (~AUD 1,785). Other models with low running costs include the Nissan Versa ($4,949 (~AUD 6,912)), Toyota Camry Hybrid ($5,031 (~AUD 7,027)), Honda Accord HEV ($5,047 (~AUD 7,049)), and the gas-powered Honda Civic ($5,062 (~AUD 7,070)). The Mini Cooper, Kia K4, and Mazda3 also made the list of affordable options.
At the opposite end, the Porsche 911 is the most expensive new car to own, with average annual costs of $10,832 (~AUD 15,129). Other high-cost vehicles include the Audi RS7 ($10,334 (~AUD 14,433)), Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing ($10,265 (~AUD 14,337)), Chevrolet Corvette ($10,213 (~AUD 14,264)), and the Lucid Air ($10,049 (~AUD 14,035)), with the Lucid Air’s high costs driven mainly by insurance.
Trends in Ownership Costs
The study compared current ownership costs with those from 2024. Average annual fuel costs have decreased from $2,246 (~AUD 3,137) to $1,727 (~AUD 2,412), offering some relief to car owners. However, insurance costs have risen from $1,763 (~AUD 2,462) to $2,219 (~AUD 3,099), and maintenance costs have increased from $1,633 (~AUD 2,281) to $1,817 (~AUD 2,538). Fees and taxes have also gone up from $820 (~AUD 1,145) to $1,151 (~AUD 1,608).
Hybrids Outperform EVs and Gas Cars on Running Costs
After analyzing all 50 models, the study found that hybrids have the lowest average annual running costs at $5,734 (~AUD 8,009), compared to $6,189 (~AUD 8,644) for EVs. Gas-powered vehicles are the most expensive to run, averaging $7,025 (~AUD 9,812) per year.
Why this matters
The findings highlight that the cheapest cars to buy are not always the cheapest to own, and that running costs can vary widely between models and powertrains. For buyers focused on minimizing total ownership expenses, the Fiat 500e offers a compelling case, even if it has yet to gain traction in the market.
The study also underscores the growing cost gap between hybrids, EVs, and traditional gas vehicles, with hybrids now offering the lowest average running costs.
What this means for buyers
Consumers looking to minimize annual vehicle expenses should consider not just the sticker price, but also ongoing costs like insurance, maintenance, and energy. While the Fiat 500e leads in affordability, its low sales suggest buyers may want to weigh other factors such as availability, practicality, and personal preference. Hybrids currently offer the best balance of low running costs and broader market appeal.
Key Specs
- Annual Running Cost (Fiat 500e): $3,557 (~AUD 4,968)
- Annual Charging Cost (Fiat 500e): $779 (~AUD 1,088)
- Annual Insurance Cost (Fiat 500e): $779 (~AUD 1,088)
- Annual Maintenance Cost (Fiat 500e): $1,275 (~AUD 1,781)
- Annual Fees and Taxes (Fiat 500e): $724 (~AUD 1,011)
- Annual Running Cost (Honda Civic Hybrid): $4,833 (~AUD 6,750)
- Annual Running Cost (Porsche 911): $10,832 (~AUD 15,129)
- Average Annual Running Cost (Hybrids): $5,734 (~AUD 8,009)
Source
Images sourced from: arenaev.com, carscoops.com, theautopian.com
