Fiat has turned its 500e Convertible into a teeny ice cream van

This is the Fiat 500e Gelateria Edition, and it might just be a glimpse at the ice cream van of the future.

Created as a one-off concept by Fiat UK, it says that the Gelateria Edition is “a compact and sustainable solution to highly-polluting ice cream vans of old – many of which are powered by diesel engines that idle to power on-board appliances – that are increasingly restricted from the country’s urban areas.”

So, what do you actually get in this ULEZ-busting van? Well, it’s based on the 500e Convertible and has the passenger and rear seats removed. Those are replaced with a bespoke cabinet that houses two battery-powered, 15-litre freezers and storage for cones, tubs and spoons.

We’re told that’s enough ice cream to serve approximately 300 people, and there’s a retro canopy thing that pops up to provide it all with some shade. 

There’s a two-tone paintjob on the outside too which apparently “evokes the spirit of a classic, local Italian gelateria of the 1950s”, while the interior gets a cream dashboard (geddit?) and a retrimmed driver’s seat. 

A couple of deck chairs can be stored inside for customers, and of course there’s a new jingle too. We’re told it’s inspired by the operatic sounds of Italy.

Just in time for the UK’s annual week of sunny weather, right?