2010 Piaggio MP3 Hybrid Photo Gallery

The concept surfaced two years ago, but now it’s a reality as Piaggio introduces its MP3 Hybrid scooter – a gas/electric hybrid coming to the US in 2010.

The IC engine delivers power via CVT, with the electric motor piggy backed directly onto the rear drive hub.

The MP3 Hybrid scooter features what Piaggio calls a “parallel” hybrid drive: a 57 x 48.6mm 4-stroke single-cylinder internal combustion engine and brushless electric motor.

The MP3’s engine management system syncopates the interaction of both power sources for optimal efficiency.

The hybrid drive takes advantage of IC and electric power’s natural strengths.

Lithium-ion batteries provide the juice to power the Hybrid's electric motor.

The new Hybrid utilizes the same leaning three-wheeled chassis already in use for the MP3 line.

Selecting full electric mode shuts down the IC engine entirely, transforming the MP3 Hybrid into a quiet ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicle).

Although Piaggio PR doesn’t specify its electric-mode range, the HyS prototype touted 12 miles. If this holds, some short-distance commuters could use the Hybrid purely as a plug-in electric scooter.

The Hybrid’s efficiency nets incredible claims of 140 mpg.

Ridden in 65% hybrid mode and 35% electric mode, Piaggio reckons a 50% reduction of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions over standard IC scooters of comparable size

With its 3.17 gallon tank, the Hybrid has a range of nearly 450 miles between fill ups.

The battery pack takes up the space normally reserved for underseat storage.

The MP3 Hybrid features four riding modes - two hybrid and two electric-only (one being a reverse) - selected by the rider via a “Hy Tech” button on the right handlebar.

Piaggio MP3 Hybrid instrument console.

Storage for half helmet and more is in the rear trunk-like compartment.

A left side speedometer shares space with a right-side gauge showing battery charge on top and fuel level on bottom.

Earlier this year, Piaggio America’s CEO Paolo Timoni announced the hybrid MP3 would be available in the US by the first quarter of 2010.

The hybrid powerplant is housed in the leaning, three-wheeled MP3 chassis - itself an innovative design.

No official MSRP for the future US model is named, though some speculation places the figure around the $10K mark. It is available in Pearl White.

Smile, its a Piaggio MP3 Hybrid.

Wind powered scooters are a possibility depending on how your electricity is made.