Fiat Unveils Tris: Its First Three-Wheeled Electric Micro-Truck
Italian Design Meets Affordable Utility for Emerging Markets
Fiat has entered the compact commercial vehicle arena with the Tris, a uniquely designed three-wheeled electric micro-truck aimed at entrepreneurs and small businesses in Africa and the Middle East. This marks a significant departure for the Italian automaker, offering a zero-emission solution for last-mile delivery.
A New Approach to Urban Mobility
The innovative Tris, penned by Fiat’s Centro Stile design team, is available in three configurations: a cab-chassis, a flatbed, and a pickup. It’s designed to be versatile and adaptable, offering a cost-effective solution for a range of commercial needs. Olivier Francois, Fiat’s chief executive, believes the vehicle represents a shift in thinking about urban transport.
“Tris is more than just a new vehicle—it’s a breakthrough in how we think about urban mobility,”
—Olivier Francois, Fiat Chief Executive
The demand for light commercial vehicles is surging globally, with a projected market value of $887.9 billion by 2032, according to a recent report by Fortune Business Insights (Fortune Business Insights). The Tris aims to capture a portion of this growing market by offering an affordable and sustainable option.
Designed for Practicality and Customization
Measuring just 3.17 meters in length with a turning radius of 3.05 meters, the Tris is exceptionally maneuverable. The cargo area provides 2.25 square meters of load space, capable of accommodating a standard Euro pallet. Its gross vehicle weight is 1025kg, with a payload capacity of 540kg. The cab-chassis model is specifically designed for “custom upfits,” allowing businesses to tailor the vehicle to their specific requirements.
Inside, the Tris features a 5.7-inch digital cluster displaying essential driving information, including battery level and distance-to-empty. It also includes a built-in 220v plug for recharging, alongside a USB-C port and a 12v socket for added convenience.
Electric Powertrain and Range
The Tris is powered by a 9kW (45Nm) electric motor and a 6.9kWh lithium battery, providing a range of 90km. Charging from 0-80% takes 3.5 hours using a standard domestic plug, with a full recharge completed in 4 hours and 40 minutes. The electric hardware shares components with the Fiat Topolino city EV.
Francois added, “With its debut in the Middle East and Africa, Tris is set to transform last-mile mobility and open new doors to economic empowerment and social inclusion. And we believe its potential goes far beyond—Europe may be next, because this kind of smart, sustainable solution speaks a universal language.”
Fiat anticipates the Tris will become a vital tool for independent workers, small businesses, and underserved communities, offering a sustainable and affordable transportation solution. The vehicle’s name, “Tris,” is intentionally simple for easy pronunciation across various languages.