The Fiat 500 has been transformed into "the world's smallest, zero-emission gelateria" in response to toughening emissions restrictions placed on diesel-burning ice cream vans in cites.
It has been developed in response to clean air zones being introduced in and around most UK cities, 14 of which are set to be operational by the end of next year.
Many existing ice cream vans are ageing commercial vehicles with non-compliant diesel engines, prompting demand for cleaner alternatives.
The London boroughs of Camden, Greenwich, and Westminster have banned or restricted the use of combustion-engined ice cream vans over excessive air and noise pollution; and expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone to encompass all 32 boroughs will come into effect on 29 August, meaning non-compliant vans will incur a charge of £12.50 per day anywhere within the M25.
Fiat UK boss Damien Dally said: “While the one-off Fiat 500e Gelateria Edition remains a one-off UK concept, based on the 500e Convertible, it is a zero-emission solution that demonstrates the car’s versatility in city environments. It’s small, compact and electric, styled with the brand’s Italian heritage in mind.”
Fiat’s one-off reworking of the 500 is said to be inspired by a "local Italian gelateria of the 1950s".
It swaps its rear seats for a pair of battery-powered freezers and is decorated with suitably jovial blue-and-white paintwork, plus the all-important folding roof and canopy.
It also has bronze 'Gelateria' badging on the front wheel arch to single it out as a one-off creation.
Fiat has also developed a bespoke chime, which it says is inspired by the "operatic sounds of Italy".
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I wonder if the person behind this has ever been to Brazil? Here there is a company called Bacio di Latte, which makes wonderful Italian style ice cream, and has been selling it from a variety of inovative 'stalls', mostly Piaggio Ape 3-wheelers, but also at least 2 cut-down 1960s Fiat 500s. These do not move, and no longer have engines, but look great. I have tried to attach a photo, but it doesn't seem to be possible.
Gorgeous. I want one.