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Car and Driver

The Fiat Tris Might Be the Cutest Way From A to B on Three Wheels

Meet the Tris, a new compact three-wheeler from Fiat that measures 10.4 feet long and has a maximum driving range of 56 miles on the WMTC test. It's effectively an electric rickshaw or tuk-tuk that comes in three configurations: chassis cabin, flatbed, and pickup. Fiat says the Tris is designed for Africa and the Middle East, and it definitely won't come to the United States—with how small it is, why would it? What's the purpose of a vehicle? Is getting you and your cargo from point A to B in a safe and timely manner the most important thing? Probably. But if looking like your car (if you can call it that) could dodge its way to victory around Mario Kart's Moo Moo Meadows is your goal, Fiat has you covered with the perfect electric three-wheeler called the Tris. The Tris is effectively an electric rickshaw or tuk-tuk, and it's available in three configurations: chassis-cabin, flatbed, and pickup. According to Fiat, the pickup version is perfect for delivering fruit, sand, or furniture, while the other two configurations make great bases for upfitting. Fiat At 10.4 feet long, the Tris is even smaller than a typical kei truck. While the Tris might be perfect for last-mile deliveries, it won't take you anywhere fast. Fiat says the Tris packs a whopping 12 horsepower and 33 pound-feet of torque—enough for a top speed of 28 mph. You won't need to worry about the speed wobbles at that dizzying speed because the wide-track rear axle, enlarged wheelbase, and pint-sized tires keep the Tris stable in urban and rural environments. Charging is done via a built-in 220-volt plug that juices the 7-kWh battery pack. Getting from zero to 80 percent takes a claimed 3.5 hours. A full recharge takes nearly five hours. Fiat also claims the Tris has an estimated 56 miles of range on the WMTC (World Motorcycle Test Cycle) standard. Sure, the lack of any doors might be a bit concerning for some, but from what we gather, rickshaws without doors are about as abundant as those with them. Fiat plans to sell the Tris in Africa and the Middle East, but hinted that it could expand sales to Europe in the future. Jack Fitzgerald Associate News Editor Jack Fitzgerald's love for cars stems from his as yet unshakable addiction to Formula 1. After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealership group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn't afford and decided to pursue a career in auto writing. By hounding his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel Wisconsin seeking out stories in the auto world before landing his dream job at Car and Driver. His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf. Read full bio