Fiat has unveiled the Tris, its first three-wheeled electric commercial vehicle. It is aimed at affordable, low-emission transport in dense urban areas. Designed for Africa and the Middle East, the compact EV blends Italian design with pragmatic utility. It is a modern take on the nostalgic Ape.
After the Topolino, a rebadged Citroën Ami, Fiat expanded its efforts in the micro mobility game and debuted its first-ever three-wheeled electric commercial vehicle. The Tris is a compact, low-speed workhorse aimed at last-mile logistics in emerging markets.
Developed by Fiat Professional, the Tris blends simplicity, utility, and affordability in a package designed for Africa and the Middle East. Despite meeting European homologation standards, the vehicle is not yet slated for release in the EU, a move that surely will prompt both curiosity and frustration among urban mobility fans and stakeholders.
Tight turning circle
With the iconic Piaggio Ape now retired from most European markets, Fiat is stepping into a vacuum. The Tris is compact, measuring just 3.17 meters in length, with a tight 6.10-meter turning circle, making it ideal for dense city centers and tight alleyways.
It comes in three body styles: chassis cab, flatbed, and pickup, each tailored to support urban freight, mobile businesses, and utility roles. It rides on a reinforced tubular steel chassis with a zinc coating for corrosion resistance and can support up to 540 kilograms of payload, enough to carry a standard euro pallet.
Power comes from a 48-volt electric drivetrain delivering 9 kW (12 hp) and 45 Nm of torque, enabling a top speed of 45 kph. Its 6.9 kWh lithium-ion battery, borrowed from the above-mentioned Fiat Topolino, offers a range of up to 90 kilometers. It can be charged from a standard 220V household outlet in 3.5 hours to 80%, or just under five hours for a full charge. The integrated charging cable and low-voltage system reflect the vehicle’s purpose-built simplicity for regions with limited charging infrastructure.
With a reverse buzzer
While no official interior images have been released, Fiat confirms that the Tris is minimal but functional. A 5.7-inch digital display shows critical driving information, while USB-C and 12V ports support device charging. Safety features include LED lighting, a reverse buzzer, three-point seatbelts, and windshield wipers with washer fluid.
The Tris name is derived from the Latin word for “three,” a nod to its wheel count, body configurations, and triple-LED signature lighting. The vehicle’s compliance with EU regulations suggests it could be offered at a later date, particularly as cities are expected to continue tightening emissions standards while demand grows for smaller, low-impact delivery vehicles.
“Economic independence”
Fiat CEO Olivier Francois described the Tris as a “breakthrough in how we approach urban mobility.” He noted its Italian styling, developed at Fiat’s Centro Stile, and positioned the vehicle as a tool for both economic empowerment and environmental responsibility.
“The Tris opens new doors to economic independence and social inclusion,” Francois added, emphasizing its relevance for entrepreneurs, service providers, and small businesses in developing economies.
