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.

The Fiat Tris, designed by Centro Stile, blends Italian aesthetics with practical functionality.

“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.

Fiat Tris 3-wheeler could be the cutest ute on sale: still want that Ranger? — The cab-chassis version allows for extensive customization to meet specific business needs.

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.

Fiat Tris electric components — Some of the Tris’s electric components are derived from the Fiat Topolino.

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 Tris name inspiration — The name ‘Tris’ reflects the vehicle’s three wheels, modular design, and three-light LED arrangement.

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.

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BYD Shark Disrupts New Zealand’s Ute Market with Electric Power

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BYD Shark Disrupts New Zealand’s Ute Market with Electric Power

Auckland, New Zealand – The automotive landscape in New Zealand is undergoing a significant shift as the BYD Shark 6 enters the market, challenging the dominance of traditional diesel utes. This plug-in hybrid electric ute is capturing the attention of both fleet operators and private buyers with its innovative powertrain and unique blend of practicality and performance.

The BYD Shark 6 distinguishes itself with a range-extender type electric powertrain,offering a claimed 100km of zero-emissions driving (NEDC) thanks to a large plug-in battery,complemented by a 1.5-liter petrol generator to eliminate range anxiety. This combination is proving particularly attractive to fleet and government departments seeking to reduce their carbon footprint, with over 50% of BYD Shark 6 buyers in New Zealand coming from these sectors, according to BYD brand manager Warren willmot.

The Rise of Electric Utes in new Zealand

New Zealand’s love affair with utes, or pickup trucks, is well-documented. These vehicles have traditionally been favored for their ruggedness and versatility, serving as both workhorses and family vehicles. Though, growing environmental concerns and government incentives are driving a shift towards electric vehicles, creating an chance for innovative models like the BYD Shark 6.

Did You Know? New Zealand offers various incentives for electric vehicle adoption, including subsidies and tax exemptions, making EVs more affordable.

The BYD Shark 6 is not only attracting environmentally conscious buyers but also those who previously shifted from utes to SUVs. Its electric powertrain delivers impressive performance, with power-to-weight ratio matching the Ford Ranger Raptor V6. This performance, combined with the practicality of a ute, is drawing customers back to the segment.

BYD Shark 6: key Features and Specifications

The BYD Shark 6 boasts a distinctive design that blends the traditional ute aesthetic with a modern,eye-catching look. Its dimensions are considerable, measuring 5457mm long and nearly 2m wide, making it larger than the average one-tonner. The vehicle’s key specifications are summarized below:

Feature	Specification
Powertrain	1.5-litre turbo petrol 4-cylinder,29.58kWh plug-in battery, AWD
Output	321kW/650Nm
Efficiency	2.0l/100km (25-100% charge), 7.9l/100km (below 25% charge)
Size	5457mm long, 2710kg
Price	$69,990

One of the standout features of the BYD Shark 6 is its vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, which allows users to power up to six devices concurrently using the vehicle’s battery.this feature is particularly useful for fleets and individuals who require a mobile power source for work or recreational activities.

Performance and Driving Experience

The BYD Shark 6 delivers a refined and cozy driving experience, thanks to its smooth suspension and well-suppressed wind and road noise. The dual electric motors provide swift reactions and ample on-road traction, while the various terrain modes (mud/Sand/Snow) enhance its capabilities on gravel tracks and undulating terrain.

Pro tip: To maximize EV running,set the desired state of charge for the battery at the lowest 25%. This prevents the petrol engine from constantly trying to top up the battery.

While the BYD Shark 6 excels in many areas, it does have some limitations. Its payload is limited to 790kg due to its heavy weight of 2710kg, and its towing capacity is rated at 2.5t. Additionally, its ground clearance of 200mm is lower than some traditional utes, which may limit its off-road capabilities in more challenging terrains.

The future of Utes in New Zealand

The arrival of the BYD Shark 6 signals a significant shift in the New Zealand ute market. As electric vehicle technology continues to advance and consumer demand for eco-friendly options grows, we can expect to see more electric utes entering the market. This trend will not only reduce carbon emissions but also provide consumers with a wider range of choices that cater to their specific needs and preferences.

What factors will drive the adoption of electric utes in New Zealand? How will traditional ute manufacturers respond to the growing demand for electric alternatives?

Evergreen Insights: The Evolution of Utes

Utes have long been a staple of the New zealand automotive market, evolving from basic work vehicles to versatile lifestyle vehicles. The introduction of electric utes represents the next chapter in this evolution, driven by technological advancements and changing consumer priorities. Globally, the electric vehicle market is experiencing rapid growth, with sales projected to reach over 40 million units by 2030, according to a report by McKinsey & Company ^[1]. This growth is fueled by government incentives, increasing consumer awareness, and the advancement of more affordable and efficient electric vehicles.

In New Zealand,the government has set ambitious targets for reducing carbon emissions,including a goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 ^[2]. The transition to electric vehicles, including utes, will play a crucial role in achieving these targets. As the charging infrastructure expands and battery technology improves, electric utes are poised to become an increasingly attractive option for New Zealand consumers.

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Fiat Tris 3-wheeler could be the cutest ute on sale: still want that Ranger?