Let’s talk about a vehicle so adorable you want to give it a hug, yet so practical it zips your parcels through narrow alleys faster than a pizza delivery guy on a Vespa. Meet the Fiat Tris, an electric tricycle that gives the legendary Piaggio Ape a swift kick in its dusty rear and shouts, “Time for something modern, old-timer!” This isn’t a car, nor a moped, but a clever hybrid that combines the best of both worlds. And trust me, this thing is so Italian it probably sips cappuccino and makes hand gestures while driving.
The Tris is a compact workhorse, just 3.17 meters long—shorter than the average SUV’s parking blunder. With a turning radius of a mere 3.05 meters, it spins circles around its own ego, making it perfect for the tight, winding streets of historic cities like Florence or Siena. This is the kind of vehicle that navigates a medieval alley without earning a curse from a local nun. Its open cargo bed, big enough for a Euro pallet, can carry up to 540 kilos. That’s enough to haul a stack of pizza ovens or a small wine stash. Want more? There’s also a chassis-cab version coming for those who want to turn their Tris into a rolling gelato stand or a trendy coffee truck.
Under the hood—if you can call it that on a vehicle without doors—lies a modest 12 hp electric motor with 45 Nm of torque. It’s no Ferrari, but with a top speed of 45 km/h, it’s fast enough to make the local postman jealous. The 6.9 kWh battery gives you a range of about 90 kilometers, perfect for a day of deliveries without hunting for a power outlet. Charging from 0 to 80 percent takes 3.5 hours, just enough time for a leisurely lunch with a plate of pasta and an espresso. The dashboard? A tiny 5.7-inch screen showing only the essentials. No nonsense, no distractions, just the info you need to get your load from A to B.
Here’s the kicker, though: Fiat doesn’t seem keen on bringing this little charmer to Europe anytime soon. Instead, they’re targeting markets in Africa and the Middle East, where simple, affordable transport still reigns supreme. And that’s a crying shame because this is exactly what those narrow Italian streets need since the Piaggio Ape retired. The Ape was an icon, but its emissions made it persona non grata under Europe’s stricter rules. The Tris, with its electric drivetrain, laughs in the face of those regulations and would be the perfect successor. Come on, Fiat, give us Europeans a chance to fall in love with this thing!
The Tris isn’t just a practical workhorse; it’s got an irresistible charm. It’s as if Fiat crossed a puppy with a van and dressed it in an olive-green jacket. It’s the kind of vehicle you see and immediately think, “I want one, even if I have nothing to deliver.” Maybe it’s the open cab that makes you feel like you’re driving a convertible, or maybe it’s the thought that you’ve finally found something that fits in that tiny parking spot.
For those already dreaming of their own Tris—or just wanting a different kind of ride—head over to our marketplace. At Volty, you’ll find a wide range of cars to browse and buy, from practical workhorses to shiny speedsters. Check it out at https://volty.be/nl/buy/cars/overview/.
