Stellantis' Latest Electric Truck Has Just Rendered Slate's Budgets Ridiculous | Carscoops

      The Fiat TRIS will first be launched in Africa and the Middle East, with possible plans for expansion into Europe in the future.

      The Fiat TRIS is a lightweight commercial vehicle specifically designed for last-mile delivery.

      It has three wheels and is available in chassis-cab, flatbed, and pickup variations.

      Equipped with a 12 hp electric motor, the TRIS includes a 6.9 kWh battery that provides a range of 56 miles.

      Currently, the market for electric trucks seems dominated by large, four-wheeled options with high costs, but Stellantis has introduced a game-changer that may alter your perspective. Fiat, well-regarded for its city cars like the Panda and the 500, is venturing into an even smaller category.

      The fully electric Fiat TRIS represents the Italian carmaker's inaugural three-wheeled model, designed for last-mile delivery. It was crafted at the Centro Stile in Turin as an “affordable ultra-light commercial vehicle.” The initial sales will take place in Africa and the Middle East, with the potential for later availability in Europe.

      At only 3.17 meters (124.8 inches) long, the Fiat TRIS is both compact and versatile. It comes in three versions: chassis-cabin, flatbed, and pickup, all built on the same chassis and front-end design, featuring arrow-shaped LED lights and a stylish two-tone color scheme.

      The practical interior is designed with ergonomics at its core, including a 5.7-inch digital instrument cluster, a USB-C port, a glove compartment, storage nets, and a comfortable seat suitable for long working hours. The lack of doors allows the driver to easily enter and exit during frequent stops. For safety and compliance, it’s outfitted with a three-point seatbelt, front LED lights, a reverse alarm, and a washer tank, ensuring it meets European homologation standards.

      Despite its size, the TRIS boasts a cargo area of 2.25 square meters (24.2 square feet), offering surprising space for such a compact vehicle. It also has an impressive payload capacity of 540 kg (1,191 lbs) and maintains a Gross Vehicle Weight of just 1,025 kg (2,260 lbs).

      The LCV is equipped with a 48-Volt electric motor producing 12 hp (9 kW) and 45 Nm (33 lb-ft) of torque. Energy is stored in a 6.9 kWh battery derived from the Fiat Topolino, providing a WMTC range of 90 km (56 miles). Fortunately, a complete charge can be achieved in 4 hours and 40 minutes using a standard 220V home outlet.

      Three-wheeled vehicles are not particularly known for stability, but Fiat claims that the TRIS’ 12-inch wheels, wide rear track, and extended wheelbase will maintain balance. Despite its lightweight design, the EV’s chassis and tubular structure are said to offer a level of “structural sturdiness akin to that of passenger cars,” while also featuring a corrosion-protective automotive-grade zinc coating.

      Fiat CEO Olivier Francois remarked: “With its introduction in the Middle East and Africa, TRIS aims to revolutionize last-mile mobility and provide new opportunities for economic empowerment and social inclusion. We believe its potential extends much further – Europe might be next, as this kind of smart, sustainable solution resonates universally.”

      Production of the TRIS is taking place in Morocco, alongside other Stellantis microcars including the Citroen Ami, Fiat Topolino, and Opel Rocks Electric. Pricing details have not yet been disclosed, but it is expected to be competitive and reflect Fiat’s reputation for affordability.