Piaggio MP3 Hybrid To Be First Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle in US
Motorbike manufacturer Piaggio has announced that the Piaggio MP3 Hybrid will be launched in America during the first quarter of 2010, making it the first affordable plug-in hybrid vehicle of any kind available in the US.
The news was revealed by Piaggio Group USA President and CEO Paolo Timoni, who also told reporters that the MP3 trike will be capable of achieving a hyper-efficient 141 mpg, all for a price as low as $8 or $9,000 (video).
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Users will be able to plug the MP3 Hybrid into a standard mains electric socket and fully charge the battery pack in three hours, enabling a battery-only range of up to 40 miles.
In addition to electric-only, the MP3 Hybrid can also be switched to one of three other hybrid-modes, designed respecively to maximize performance, minimize fuel consumption or quickly recharge batteries.
In ‘max-performance’ mode acceleration can be supercharged by an astonishing 85%, enabling riders to go from 0-60 mph in a zippy 5 seconds, equivalent to a much beefier 250cc scooter.
Image Credits – Hell for Leather
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March 10th, 2009 at 11:50 am
The Fisker Karma will be the first non-conversion plug-in hybrid available in the US. The first production models are expected to be delivered late this year – 2009.
March 10th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
@EVcast
Fisker has gotten some incredible PR this past year, but all he’s delivered to customers (so far) are glorified Mercedes and BMW-based kit cars. Piaggio is a respected company with a long history of delivering efficient, reliable product to a global audience … all I’m saying is: don’t expect too much from Fisker (or Tesla, or Vector, or DeLorean, or Tucker …), and don’t underestimate Piaggio.
April 10th, 2009 at 10:53 pm
When I first saw this, I thought, a Hybrid that can play MP3’s? Sweet! They really shouldn’t use such a loaded name.
And I’ve never seen a tricycle with _two_ front wheels before.
April 27th, 2009 at 9:32 pm
@Briggs
Lol! If you go to e.g. Paris these Piaggio motorbikes (non hybrid, straight petrol) are quite common. Very fast for packed traffic city driving, and you do not have to balance with you feat on the ground waiting at traffic light. Peugeot is also working on a similar 3 wheel hybrid model, with a small overhead cover, sort of like the earlier BMW C1.
May 5th, 2009 at 10:02 am
Piaggio mp3 Hybrid Hys (plug in Hybrid)would be a first bike who s gonna be safe even for the every other man and especially young folks that aren’t experienced.
great stuff