Spaniards love the Piaggio MP3 hybrid scooter
2009 Plug-in Hybrid Piaggio MP3 scooter - Click above for high-res image gallery
Spanish newspaper El Mundo has tested the Piaggio MP3 hybrid scooter and came away impressed with the results. The MP3 mates a 15 hp 125cc gas-powered engine with an 3.5 hp electric motor and lithium ion battery pack that allows for all EV-riding up to 20 km (12 miles). The MP3 plug-in hybrid recharges completely in 3 hours, and gets to 85 percent full in just two. With batteries charged and a full tank of liquid fuel, the MP3 hybrid has a range of 500 km (300 miles). Fuel consumption is a high 1.7 l/100 km (140 mpg) while CO2 emissions are way down low at 40 g/km. The company's original 125cc model emits a comparatively high 90 g/km. What's higher? The price. Even with tax exemptions, prices in Spain start at €9,300, just over double the €4,600 cost of the regular model.
Gallery: Piaggio MP3 hybrid scooter
[Source: El Mundo]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
wincros 6:14PM (10/14/2009)
Apparently it is only the Spaniards who like it. It is incredibly heavy, slow and quickly exhausts its battery, making it extremely slow. The only 125cc scooter weighing over 500 pounds.
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mike 10:15PM (10/14/2009)
Sources ??
NeilBlanchard 6:16PM (10/14/2009)
Hi,
Quibble with:
"Fuel consumption is a high 1.7 l/100 km (140 mpg)..."
It should either read "Fuel consumption is LOW at 1.7 l/100 km (140 mpg)..." or "Fuel ECONOMY is high at 1.7 l/100 km (140 mpg)..."
It is expensive, but I would want one if it was a bit more reasonably priced.
Sincerely, Neil
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roflwaffle 9:34PM (10/14/2009)
The petrol only version weighs in at 460lbs, so we aren't looking at a huge (~90lb) difference in weight from hybridization. Most of the extra baggage is due to the unique design of the MP3 platform.
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Laurens 3:21AM (10/15/2009)
I wish we had the climate of Spain ;-)
Otherwise, unless the hybrid has a cat and the normal one doesn't, forget about it.
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