We drove: Piaggio MP3 Hybrid LT 300ie

The thirty-five-kilometer drive from Charles de Gaulle airport to the city center took us an hour and a quarter and was complemented by a minor accident: the driver confidently attacked the streets of Paris, and another taxi driver opened the door and the bangs flew away. There was nothing better back: an hour and a half of starting and braking, changing lanes and bored yawns. However, while the snails are moving, vruuum, bzzzzzz, brrrrrr, pring ding ding are constantly passing two- and three-wheeled vehicles. Yes, there are many MP3s in Paris.

The first hybrid was introduced last year, with a volume of 125 cubic meters, which, to be honest, is too little. If we talk about a regular two-wheeled car, then an eighth liter is enough for city driving, but here it is basically a heavier motorcycle (three-wheeled!) With an additional battery and an electric motor. Now they have introduced an even more powerful sibling with a 300 cubic meter single cylinder house and a 2 kW brushless synchronous motor.

The engine can operate in four different programs, namely Hybrid Charge (when the Otto engine is running, the battery is also charged), Hybrid (the electric motor also contributes to better acceleration), Electric (purely electric drive) and Electric Reverse. which MP3 it can slowly move backward with the electric motor. The driver switches between programs using the button on the right side of the steering wheel and confirms the selection by long pressing the same button.

The coexistence of electricity and "petrol" energy contributes to significant acceleration from the very beginning. While the otherwise more powerful MP400-player with a volume of 3 cc. See "wakes up" only at speeds between 25 and 30 kilometers per hour, the hybrid is detected as soon as the car starts moving. Only a hundredth of the breath subsides, and the maximum speed was difficult to check on the Champs Elysees.

In the “charge” program, overclocking is slightly worse, and in the all-electric program there is MP3, hey, lazy. Three and a half "horses" are able to push him to move at a speed of 40 kilometers per hour, but only in an airplane - when the road rises, there is not enough electricity. I don’t throw myself into the fire that you can climb Ljubljana Castle only with the help of a battery ... The factory claims a range of up to 20 kilometers and a three-hour charge of a completely discharged battery and more. up to 85 percent charged in two hours.

Here's how: The Italian factory's second hybrid is better for a simple reason - because it's more powerful and therefore easier to move with an extra battery and electric motor, a complex three-wheel package. The answer to the question of whether it is reasonable to sacrifice a large euro-car and luggage space for silent movement around the city centers (or at night around a chosen estate) and lower consumption (they promise up to two liters per 100 km) remains the same question for most users: no. But the hybrid needs to be looked at differently: at the moment it doesn't seem necessary to move the crowd, but when others just wake up from their sleep, Piaggio already has a completely perfect technology! In fact, he already has it.

Sales and market share are growing

In the first year of sales (2006) 6.000 pieces were sold, a year later 18.400 2005, in 15 - about 24.100 8.400, last year - 3, while this year, despite the general drop in sales, by May only 50 1 units. The MP3 also has a growing market share in over 11cc scooters, growing from 1% in four years to 125%. The hybrid (as expected) does not sell the best, as there were only 525 cubic cars "launched" in one year, mainly for test purposes by various police and police forces. Piaggio is considering (development details were cryptic at a press conference) about hybrid technology for the rest of the scooter lineup, and it could even see an all-electric vehicle in the future.

First impression

Appearance 3/5

Despite the pleasant sporty-elegant design, the three-wheeled creature no longer deserves it. The workmanship is at a very high level!

Motor 5/5

A very good (only!) result of combining two discs. A three-cubic-foot engine is a smart choice, as 125 cubic meters really isn't enough for a heavy hybrid. The electric motor could be more powerful.

Comfort 4/5

With a large seat, good wind protection (several windshields of different sizes available) and ample space, it is ranked first for comfort on the road. A pair of front wheels "picks up" more bumps than a single-seater, but the suspension does its job well. Unfortunately, the Hybrid's luggage compartment is heavily curtailed.

Price 1/5

To justify buying such an expensive scooter requires a very compelling reason for the regular users to continue to support the oil tycoons.

First class 4/5

The three-wheel drive has its advantages and disadvantages, as does the hybrid drive. But aside from motorcycle taxis (they have a Gold Winge in Paris), this is definitely the fastest city transport for those who fail the motorcycle exam.

Piaggio MP3 Hybrid LT 300ie

engine: single-cylinder, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, 278 cc?

Maximum power: 18 kW (2 HP) at 25 rpm (gasoline engine and electric motor together)

Maximum torque: 27 Nm @ 5 rpm

Energy transfer: clutch automatic, variomat

Frame: steel pipe

brakes: 2 reels ahead? 240mm, twin-piston calipers, rear disc? 240mm, twin-piston calipers, rear parking brake

Suspension: front parallelogram axle, two shock absorbers, rear double shock absorber

Tires: 120/70-12, 140/60-14

Seat height from ground: 780 mm

Fuel tank: 12

Wheelbase: 1.490 mm

Weight: 257 kg (dry)

Representative: PVG, Vangalenska cesta 14, 6000 Koper, 05/629 01 50, www.pvg.si.

Matevж Hribar, photo: Milagro, Matevж Hribar