Piaggio MP3 Hybrid is Coming !!

Finally, a hybrid vehicle that makes economical and environmental sense. The Piaggio MP3 Hybrid has just been launched in Europe, becoming not only the first plug-in hybrid vehicle to enter mass-production, but also the first hybrid vehicle, of any kind mind you, to use lithium ion batteries. It's also the most fuel efficient, returning up to 141mpg in normal use. Let's take a look at why the MP3 Hybrid makes so much sense.



Configuration:
A leaning three-wheeler combines the advantages of a scooter -- traffic busting, easy parking -- with something that's easy-to-use and, most importantly, unintimidating to new riders. Unlike other, supposedly eco-friendly vehicles like the Toyota Prius, the MP3 Hybrid will never get stuck in traffic nor create congestion for other road users, thereby further reducing its impact on the environment.

Since the gasoline engine only displaces 124cc, European riders will be able to ride it on nothing but a car license or a motorcycle learner's permit.

Fuel Economy:
The MP3 Hybrid performs like a 250cc scooter, most of those return about 90-95mpg. In similar urban conditions, the MP3 Hybrid adds 50% to that figure. In comparison, the 2010 Toyota Prius, the most fuel-efficient car sold in the US, returns only 50mpg in the combined EPA cycle.

The Plug:
A common modification for super nerdy Prius owners is a plug, enabling them to recharge their batteries at home or at the office and then run on electricity-only for longer and faster. That also enables them not to suck down gasoline to recharge the battery when electricity, even from coal-fired power plants, is created far more efficiently and is so easily available.

Electric-Only Operation:
Many European cities are rapidly defining areas open only to electric vehicles. In electric mode, the MP3 can access these areas. Additionally, you never need use gasoline for short trips just super-cheap electricity.

Lithium Ion Battery:
More energy density and reliability than NiMH or LiPo cells, Lithium Ion means higher performance, lighter weight and increased longevity. Expect the batteries to last the vehicle's lifetime.

Range:
Unlike all-electric competitors, the MP3 Hybrid's range is indefinite. Need to take a long trip? Just stop at gas stations and top up.

It's Coming To America:
Piaggio Group President and CEO Paolo Timoni exclusively revealed to us that the MP3 Hybrid will go on-sale in the US Q1 2010 for around $8 or $9,000.

Piaggio MP3 Hybrid – Technical Specifications

Internal combustion engine capacity: 124 cc (bore x stroke - 57 x 48.6 mm)
Thermodynamic cycle: Otto cycle – 4 stroke
Valve gear: Single overhead cam, four valves
Cooling system: Liquid
Ignition system: Inductive discharge digital electronic ignition
Hybrid powertrain power: 11 kW (15 CV) at 8,500 rpm
Hybrid powertrain torque: 16 Nm at 3,000 rpm
Electric motor: Synchronous brushless permanent magnet motor
Power supply voltage: Three-phase alternating current
Electric motor control: Digitally controlled inverter
Electric motor cooling system: Air
Electric motor power: 2.6 kW (3.5 CV)
Electric motor torque: 15 Nm
Drive modes 4 modes: 2 hybrid, 2 electric (including reverse)
Battery charge modes: During braking and deceleration on the move, and from the mains (battery charger integrated in on-board electronics)
Traction batteries: Lithium ion batteries
Transmission: Variator with centrifugal and torque control
Engine control system: Ride-by-Wire with closed loop fuel injection system
Exhaust: Catalytic converter
Chassis: Double cradle in high strength tubular steel
Front suspension: Articulated quadrilateral consisting of four aluminium arms sustaining two steering tubes, and pull rod suspension geometry with offset wheel axle
Rear suspension: Two dual action hydraulic shock absorbers with adjustable spring preload
Front brake: Two 240 mm Ø stainless steel discs and floating calliper with two 30 mm Ø pistons
Rear brake: 240 mm Ø stainless steel disc and calliper with horizontally opposed 30 mm Ø pistons
Front wheel rim: Die-cast aluminium alloy 12" x 3.00
Rear wheel rim: Die-cast aluminium alloy 14" x 3.75
Front tyre: Tubeless 120/70-12”
Rear tyre: Tubeless 140/60-14”
Length/Width: 2,140 mm / 760 mm
Wheelbase: 1,490 mm
Seat height: 780 mm
Fuel tank capacity: 12 litres (including 1.8 litre reserve)
Consumption: (2/3 of cycle in hybrid mode – 1/3 in electric mode) 60 km/l
CO2 emissions: (2/3 of cycle in hybrid mode – 1/3 in electric mode) 40 g/Km
Emissions: compliance Euro3



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