Piaggio MP3 Hybrid 300ie Launched

After launching the 124cc version of its three-wheeled scooter last year, Italian manufacturer Piaggio debuted the bigger, 300cc version of the hybrid MP3. Dubbed  MP3 Hybrid 300ie, the new version is powered by a gasoline engine paired with a synchronous brushless permanent magnet motor in a parallel hybrid drive system with an automatic CVT transmission.

The hybrid scooter is also fitted with a ride-by-wire system that enables it to offer four drive modes: two hybrid and two electric modes. Switching to hybrid mode or fully electric mode is made possible with the press of a button, mounted on the right handlebar.

Moreover, it is based on the same Plug-In hybrid technology as the smaller version. The new 300ie version of the powertrain offers performance comparable to a conventional petrol-engined 400cc scooter, Piaggio says.

In terms of fuel consumption, the Piaggio MP3 Hybrid 300ie can return up to 60 Km/l, compared with an average of 30 Km/l for petrol scooters with similar sized engines and CO2 emissions as low as 40 g/Km, much lower than the average of 90 g/Km for a conventional internal combustion engined scooter.

It is also the world's first hybrid vehicle to combine Plug-In mains charging capability with innovative lithium ion batteries. The battery pack is hidden under the saddle, where the rider can also fit in a helmet and a couple of extra objects. A 12V power socket for charging electronic devices is also provided inside the same compartment.

Piaggio MP3 Hybrid 300ie is already available in Italy starting at EUR 7,990, a bit more expensive than its Piaggio MP3 300ie and Piaggio MP3 LT 300ie siblings, which are priced at EUR 6,090.