Three-wheeled Fiat Tris could be the mobile coffee shop you’ve always wanted

On sale Early 2027 | Price £6000 (est)

If Only Fools and Horses was given a 21st century reboot, we might see Del Boy swapping his Reliant Regal three-wheeler for this, the Fiat Tris – a low-cost, three-wheeled electric small van, designed for last-mile deliveries.

The Fiat Tris will go on sale next year, and will count the now-discontinued four-wheeled Citroën Ami Cargo as its closest rival.

The single-seat Tris is operated via handlebars much like the classic Piaggio Ape, which has been on sale in various forms since the 1940s, and has become a darling of mobile coffee vendors in the UK.

But unlike the Ape, which is powered by tiny petrol and diesel engines, the Tris is all-electric, with a range of 56 miles from a 6.9kWh battery. That’s farther than a Citroën Ami can travel, although with a maximum speed of just 28mph, the 12bhp Tris is no faster.

It’s around 50cm shorter than a Fiat 500, at 3.17m but its 6.1m turning circle means it should prove to be exceptionally manoeuvrable in tight, city centre streets.

Creature comforts are few, but there is at least USB and a 12-volt socket to charge a phone or sat-nav. In other regards, the layout will be more familiar to those used to two-wheeled transport. 

A prototype Fiat Tris is on display at this week’s Van and Commercial Vehicle Show at the Birmingham NEC as part of a drive to identify customers. However, a senior Stellantis source said that prices would be announced later this year, ahead of it going on sale in 2027. It’s likely to significantly undercut the £7995 Ami.

While the prototype has open sides – ideal for driving in warmer countries – models sold in the UK will have doors in order to satisfy safety requirements. 

However, the Tris will be available in a range of bodystyles including a flat bed, pick up and chassis cab, and Fiat will offer a range of conversions such as micro tippers and mobile retail units. The truck has a load area of up to 2.25m2, which is sufficient for two standard pallets.

Read more: Best small vans

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