Piaggio plans to launch hybrid-powered scooter in H2 2008

Piaggio plans to launch hybrid-powered scooter in H2 2008

	Published : Wed, 25 Jul 2007 13:41 By : Agencies Print this Story

PONTEDERA, Italy (Thomson Financial) - Piaggio SpA plans to launch a hybrid scooter for congested cities in the second half of next year, powered by a traditional petrol engine and alternative electric power, said chairman Roberto Colaninno.

The hybrid will be based on the three-wheel Piaggio-branded MP3 scooter, launched last year, and will have a price tag of less than 10,000 eur, against the 7,000 eur the solely petrol-powered scooter currently csells for, company officials said.

'The hybrid can represent a very important reply to the problems of traffic, safety and pollution. The hybrid generates synergies from the two motors, using electronic systems,' Colannino said at a news conference.

The 125 cubic centimetre petrol engine in the planned hybrid will run for 60 kilometres on a litre of fuel and produce only 40 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre, he said, adding that the electric motor has zero carbon emissions.

The patented hybrid technology, developed with the University of Pisa, will use a lithium battery to power its electric motor, which can be recharged at home from the mains or by the petrol engine when this is running, officials said.

The driver can choose which form of power to use, though in town the electric motor is seen coping with congestion, can run for 20 kilometres, and gives a top speed of 35 kilometres per hour, they said.

Lithium batteries are lighter than traditional lead batteries, though add weight to the overall scooter, and can be recharged several thousand times, they said, adding that the choice of supplier remains open.

As well as being environmentally friendly, Piaggio wants the hybrid scooter to be an 'entertaining' vehicle to ride, officials said.

Colaninno said he sees the hybrid as a way of dealing with traffic congestion in the world's largest cities, but is not expecting to get state subsidies to support its innovative move.

Piaggio also launched two new Vespa models aimed at the teenage market today, capturing some of the style of earlier Vespa models while introducing sporty rear suspension and scope for personalised paint jobs, officials said.

A 500 cc model is being sold at 2.500 eur and a 125 cc model at 3,200, they said.

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