Piaggio: hybrid and electric for Vespa at EICMA

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Hybrid for version “X”
Orders open in spring

After the first electric concept unveiled in 2016, Piaggio is bringing back to EICMA a new close-to-production version and an unexpected presentation of a hybrid version.

This time it is! The famous Italian wasp succumbs to the charm of the electricity fairy. After the first concept unveiled last year, Piaggio returns to Milan with a new electric Vespa. On a technical level, this Vespa Elettrica is equipped with a 2 kW (4 kW max) engine with a torque of 200 Nm. In the equivalent of 50 cm45, the car is limited to a speed of 100 km / h and is powered by a lithium ion battery. If the manufacturer does not indicate the energy capacity of its battery, it claims 4 km of autonomy when recharging in XNUMX hours.

In terms of performance, there are two modes offered: Eco mode, which limits the speed to 30 km / h, and Power mode, which allows you to use all the power. The "Reverse" mode is also available for maneuvers.

Fun Fact: The Vespa Elettrica has an energy recovery system during the braking and deceleration phases. Enough to optimize autonomy ...

Hybrid for version “X”

Rounding out this 100% electric offering, Piaggio is also presenting a hybrid version. Called Piaggio Elettrica X, it is based on a smaller battery. Providing 50 km of autonomy, it is connected to a three-liter gasoline generator, which increases the theoretical autonomy up to 200 km.

In practice, the generator will start when the battery level is too low. Like the BMW i3, it acts as a “range extender” to recharge the battery. It can also be manually enabled depending on your requirements.