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Fiat has constructed the smallest gelateria for the UK ever, in the form of an all electric and compact solution to ice-cream distribution in urban environments across the United Kingdom, being the ideal solution to the restrictions caused by low emissions zones. The 'Gelateria Edition’ is a UK one-off 500e Convertible based concept vehicle, and comes with a unique two-tone exterior finish, complimented by its retro styled interior and orchestral alert. With 83% of Brits agreeing that ‘ice cream vans are a quintessential part of British culture’, FIAT was inspired to create a new gelato flavour based on the home of the brand’s Turin routes..
FIAT has envisioned what the gelateria ‘van’ of the future could be by unveiling the world’s smallest, zero-emissions-in-use, gelateria – a one-off concept of the all-electric Fiat 500e Convertible for the UK. The stunning-looking Fiat 500e Gelateria Edition concept brings an Italian twist to the traditional ice cream van and a taste of la dolce vita to Britain’s streets.
The ULEZ-suitable 500e Gelateria Edition is a small, sustainable solution to the highly-polluting ice-cream vans of the past – many of which are powered by diesel engines that idle to power on-board appliances – and are increasingly becoming restricted from the country’s urban areas. Three London councils, Camden, Greenwich, and Westminster City have already either banned or restricted the use of combustion-engine based ice cream vans due to their air and noise pollution concerns.
Furthermore, with 14 UK cities due to have low emissions zones set up and in place by the end of 2024, including the significant expansion of the ULEZ to cover all London boroughs on 29th August, further restrictions could hamper combustion-engined ice cream vans. In light of these current and impending restrictions, FIAT research looked into Britons' feelings toward ice cream vans. It found 92% have bought ice cream from an ice cream van, which is likely a reason why 83% agree that ‘ice cream vans are a quintessential part of British culture’. On top of this, nearly half (48%) said they would be upset if ice cream vans disappeared.
About the FIAT 500e Gelateria Edition
Based on the award-winning FIAT 500e, the 500e Gelateria Edition features an entirely custom made interior with the passenger and rear seats are removed. The server is able to freely traverse the inside of the car, serving ice-cream to customers over the rear of the vehicle. Covered by a unique two-tone colour finish evoking the image of a classic, local, Italian gelateria from the 1950s, the interior and exterior of the Gelateria Edition are rich light blue and cream colours – with wheels that match..
Frozen gelato trays are placed above a bespoke cabinet containing dual battery-powered freezers capable of storing up to 30 litres of gelato – enough to serve around 300 people per day – as well as any additional accessories such as cones, tubs, and spoons. Fashioned on the boot and wings, a unique Gelateria badge in a bronze cursive style denotes the model as a one-off concept. With the folding fabric roof lowered, the retro-style canopy can be raised – a canopy that is in keeping with the classical exterior colours – providing shade to the onboard display of gelato flavours and server beneath.
No ice-cream serving vehicle can be complete without an appropriate chime, which is why the 500e Gelateria Edition comes with a jingle inspired by the operatic sounds of Italy, passionately, yet softly announcing its arrival to customers on the push of a special button on the dashboard. The 500e Gelateria Edition also contains a unique cream dashboard finish with bronze Gelateria badging alongside a reupholstered driver’s seat. Deck chairs are also able to be stored within the car so customers can enjoy their freshly served gelato in complete comfort.
FIAT has also created a new gelato flavour that celebrates the history of the brand. Bicerin – a traditional hot drink local to the Italian city of Turin and the birthplace of FIAT – is the inspiration for FIAT’s new gelato flavour, being made up of coffee, chocolate and oat milk ingredients. The FIAT 500e is the first vehicle FIAT designed from the ground up to be fully electric. The car provides a raft of best-in-class features such as Level 2 Autonomous Driving technologies, a variety of battery options and a substantial driving range of up to 199 miles (WLTP).
Damien Dally, Managing Director of FIAT UK, commented: “Understandably, the British public cherishes the ice cream van during summertime, yet the old-fashioned combustion-engine examples of the past are fast becoming outdated – and for good reason.
“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. Plus, the open-top roof brings a touch of dolce vita wherever you go.”
