Piaggio MP3 Hybrid - Adopting
uniquely exclusive technology - this is the first vehicle in the
entire automotive sector using lithium ion batteries, which can also
be charged from the mains - Piaggio Mp3 Hybrid reduces both fuel
consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by more than 50%,
complementing the already enviable attributes in terms of
technology, safety and rider enjoyment that make the Piaggio Mp3 -
the revolutionary three-wheeled scooter - such a hit.
Both internal and electric units have their own advantages and
drawbacks. With the Piaggio Mp3 Hybrid, you no longer have to choose
between performance and ecology .Mp3 Hybrid is powered by a
revolutionary hybrid drive system developed first by the Piaggio
Group for a two-wheeled application and combining the advantages of
a petrol engine with those of an electric motor.
The Piaggio MP3 Hybrid incorporates a “parallel” hybrid drive in
which a combustion engine and an electric motor are mechanically and
electronically linked and simultaneously supply power to the wheel
in perfect synergy. In this integrated internal
combustion/electric powertrain, the internal combustion engine - the
petrol engine - works like a normal catalysed four stroke unit,
offering excellent performance.
Whenever the rider calls for particularly brisk acceleration, the
electric motor kicks in, supplementing the petrol unit to provide up
to an 85% boost in performance, offering more immediate and
responsive pickup during the first few metres - which is precisely
where it is most needed in city use.
Through the “Ride by Wire” power control system, the on board
electronics (VMS – Vehicle Management System) decides how much power
to draw from the petrol engine and the electric motor in relation to
the effective operating conditions to optimise both performance and
consumption.
This synergy between the two powerplants, achieved with integrated
electronic management, does not only offer better performance but
also reduces fuel consumption - the Piaggio Mp3 Hybrid can return up
to 60 Km/l, compared with an average of 26 Km/l for petrol scooters
with mid sized engines - and CO2 emissions, at just 40 g/Km compared
with 90 g/Km for a conventional internal combustion engined scooter
(figures for the Mp3 Hybrid calculated considering 65% use in hybrid
mode and 35% use in electric mode).
Simply press the button on the handlebar to disengage the petrol
engine and turn Mp3 Hybrid into a totally ecological scooter, a zero
emissions vehicle that can circulate freely in areas restricted to
internal combustion engines. Press the button back again to
enjoy the benefits of extended range: the petrol engine wakes up
again and resumes its role as the vehicle's primary power plant,
charging the batteries while riding in areas open to normal vehicle
traffic. The rider can switch between the full electric and hybrid
mode even while on the move, by simply selecting the desired mode by
pressing and holding the “Hy Tech” button for a few seconds.
The electric motor also offers the Piaggio MP3 Hybrid an ultra-quiet
reverse mode, which is handy for parking and for manoeuvring out of
tight spaces. In addition to the normal controls, a special selector
also lets the rider choose from four operating modes for the
vehicle: with two hybrid and full electric modes (including
reverse).
MP3 Hybrid manages the power delivered from the petrol and electric
units with a Ride-By-Wire system: the torque requested by the rider
via the throttle and brake is processed by the integrated electronic
management system which, on the basis of a number of parameters
(such as battery charge, for example), splits the power delivery
between the power plants.
When decelerating and braking, the management system recovers energy
and accumulates it in the battery; The hybrid modes (Hybrid Charge
for maximum battery charge, and Hybrid Power, for maximum
performance) have been conceived to allow the user to manage and
optimise performance, consumption and battery charge capacity.
In full electric mode, Hybrid fully disengages the petrol engine to
turn into a silent, electric vehicle with zero exhaust emissions.
Piaggio MP3 Hybrid is the first vehicle in the world to combine
plug-in charging from the mains with lithium ion batteries
which
with their superior energy density and reliability – offering higher
performance, greater lightness and increased longevity than
the technologies currently in use.
The battery pack, with integrated
control electronics, is hidden away in the compartment under the
saddle, which still has enough room to accommodate a helmet and
other objects.
An indicator integrated into the dashboard lets the
rider keep a constant eye on the battery charge level. The vehicle
is charged easily from the mains with a normal electrical cable,
plugged into the relative socket with the panel switched off.
The
full charge cycle takes approximately three hours , although 85%
charge is achieved in just two hours.
Internal combustion engine capacity
124
cc (bore x stroke - 57 x 48.6 mm)
Thermodynamic cycle
Otto
cycle – 4 stroke
Valve gear
Single overhead cam, four valves
Cooling system
Liquid
Ignition system
Inductive discharge digital electronic ignition
Hybrid powertrain power
11
kW (15 CV) at 8,500 rpm
Hybrid powertrain torque
16
Nm at 3,000 rpm
Electric motor
Synchronous brushless permanent magnet motor
Power supply voltage
Three-phase alternating current
Electric motor control
Digitally controlled inverter
Electric motor cooling system
Air
Electric motor power
2.6
kW (3.5 CV)
Electric motor torque
15
Nm
Drive modes
4
modes: 2 hybrid, 2 electric (including reverse)
Battery charge modes
During braking and deceleration on the move, and from the
mains (battery charger integrated in on-board electronics)
Traction batteries
Lithium ion batteries
Transmission
Variator with centrifugal and torque control
Engine control system
Ride-by-Wire with closed loop fuel injection system
Exhaust
Catalytic converter
Chassis
Double cradle in high
strength tubular steel
Front suspension
Articulated quadrilateral consisting of four
aluminium arms sustaining two steering tubes, and pull rod
suspension geometry with offset wheel axle
Rear suspension
Two dual action hydraulic
shock absorbers with adjustable spring preload
Front brake
Two
240 mm Ø stainless steel discs and floating calliper with
two 30 mm Ø pistons
Rear brake
240
mm Ø stainless steel disc and calliper with horizontally
opposed 30 mm Ø pistons
Front wheel rim
Die-cast aluminium alloy
12" x 3.00
Rear wheel rim
Die-cast aluminium alloy
14" x 3.75
Front tyre
Tubeless 120/70-12”
Rear tyre
Tubeless 140/60-14”
Length/Width
2,140 mm / 760 mm
Wheelbase
1,490 mm
Seat height
780 mm
Fuel tank capacity
12 litres (including 1.8
litre reserve)
Consumption (2/3 of cycle
in hybrid mode – 1/3 in electric mode)
60 km/l
CO2 emissions
(2/3 of cycle in hybrid mode – 1/3 in electric mode)
