Fiat is preparing to bring a new electric three-wheeler to Europe: the Tris, a compact delivery vehicle that recalls the role once played by the Italian Ape. The model is already being introduced in North Africa, with a European arrival planned for next year, according to the original report.
The Tris is built for narrow streets and crowded city centers. At 3.17 meters long and less than 1.5 meters wide, it is easy to maneuver, and its open cargo bed can accommodate a Europallet. Fiat is also expected to offer a box-body version later. Despite weighing just under 500 kilograms, the vehicle can carry up to 540 kilograms.
Its electric motor produces 12 horsepower and 45 Nm of torque. The Tris is limited to 45 km/h, a restriction intended to make it eligible for drivers aged 15 and over with an AM license. The test report describes it as quick to respond in city traffic, while noting that its three-wheel layout requires care when navigating tight spaces.
A 6.9 kWh battery provides a stated range of 90 kilometers. Charging is limited to 1.6 kW, with a charge from empty to 80% taking around three and a half hours. The vehicle is assembled around a welded frame with a plastic body, a simple construction that the report says should make repairs inexpensive.
In Morocco, the Tris is priced at the equivalent of just under €5,000. The report estimates that it could cost around €10,000 in Germany. Its electric drive and small footprint are intended to make it useful for deliveries on the last mile, particularly in busy urban areas where larger vehicles are harder to use.
Sources: Handelsblatt.