TRIS Ain’t a Tricycle—It’s FIAT’s New Workhorse

Well, this is unexpected. FIAT Professional—yes, that FIAT—is bringing the world a three-wheeled electric commercial vehicle called the TRIS. That’s right, three wheels. Not four. Not two. Just three. And it’s rolling into the Middle East and Africa to revolutionize last-mile delivery.

Think of it as Italy’s answer to “what if a golf cart had a job?”

What Even Is This Thing? – 

The TRIS is technically a commercial vehicle, but you might mistake it for a futuristic tuk-tuk designed by someone who binge-watched Vespa documentaries. It was dreamt up at the Centro Stile Design Center in Italy, and it’s FIAT’s first three-wheeled anything. Ever. And they seem pretty proud of it.

It comes in three flavors: Pickup (for your banana or bricks), Flatbed (for whatever flat things need moving), and Chassis Cab (aka, make it what you want). Measuring just 3.17 meters (10.4 feet) long with a turning radius of 3.05 meters (10 feet), the TRIS was basically built to U-turn inside your living room.

Power? Sure, Let’s Go with That

Under the hood(?) is a 48-volt electric motor putting out a massive 9 kW (about 12 horsepower). That’s roughly what your average blender can handle. It hits a blistering top speed of 45 km/h (28 mph), which means it technically qualifies as a vehicle. Powering this miracle of micromobility is a 6.9 kWh lithium battery—the same one used in the Fiat Topolino.

And yes, it charges on a regular 220-volt household plug. No special equipment, no complicated wall boxes. Just plug it into your kitchen outlet or wherever.

Range? A whole 90 km (56 miles) per charge. Not bad unless you were planning to cross the Sahara. But for urban delivery runs, it’s fine. Probably.

Styling That Says: “Why Not?” – 

The TRIS features a bold LED face, a big ol’ single front wheel, and two in the back for that go-kart-meets-Mars-rover vibe. It also comes with a 5.7-inch digital screen, a USB-C port (because modern), and plenty of quirky FIAT personality. Add in corrosion-resistant body panels, and you’ll have something that can withstand both potholes and puzzled stares.

It’s also got a reverse buzzer, LED lights, three-point seat belts, and a cargo area big enough for a euro pallet. That’s right—1,190 lbs (540 kg) payload capacity. Your mini-fridge delivery business just found its ride.

Why, Though? – 

According to Olivier François, FIAT CEO and professional quote machine, “TRIS is more than just a new vehicle—it’s a breakthrough.” That’s certainly one word for it. But he’s got a point: TRIS is meant for the people who need a cheap, capable, no-frills way to get goods from A to B without spewing emissions or breaking the bank.

With flexible payment plans, leasing options, and a promise of low running costs, FIAT is targeting everyone from local entrepreneurs to gig economy hustlers. It’s about giving power to the people—just… not a lot of horsepower.

The Bottom Line – 

TRIS is like a toolbox on three wheels, built for real people in real cities with real problems. It’s not going to win a drag race, but it just might win over the small businesses that keep urban life moving.

And hey, if nothing else, it’s going to turn heads—and maybe even turn the tide for smart, sustainable transport. Or at the very least, give people one more thing to point at and say, “What the heck is that?”