2026 Fiat TRIS puts the ‘ute’ in cute

Fiat has created an all-electric rival for the Piaggio Ape called the 2026 Fiat TRIS, with the ultra-light commercial vehicle set to be sold in Africa and the Middle East, while it could eventually be exported to other markets like Europe.

Measuring at just 3170mm long, the three-wheel Fiat TRIS will be sold in cab-chassis, flatbed and traditional ute body styles, with all versions riding on the same platform and sporting an undeniably cute look.

Powering the TRIS is a tiny e-motor that only musters 9kW and 45Nm of torque. It’s powered by a small 6.9kWh battery that takes four hours to charge from a domestic plug-socket.

The range, meanwhile, is claimed to be around 90km, while top speed is expected to be limited to around 50km/h.

Featuring 12-inch wheels and a wide rear track, engineers claim the long wheelbase ensures the Fiat remains stable at all speeds, while the little ute’s corrosion-resistant zinc-coated tubular structure means it’s immensely strong, considering its size.

Offering a 2.25-square-metre bed, Fiat claims the TRIS has a payload of up to 540kg and a gross vehicle mass of 1025kg.

No prices have been released but it’s thought the Moroccan-made Fiat TRIS has been created for an ultra-low price designed to challenge the likes of the Indian-made Piaggio Ape. The Ape is still relied upon in much of southern Europe, having remained in continuous construction since 1948.

Initially, the Fiat TRIS will be sold in both Africa and the Middle East, but plans are already afoot to launch the micro-ute in Europe and other regions where there’s demand for a cheap zero-emission workhorse.

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