After launching the world’s first hybrid scooter last year, Piaggio has launched a 278cc version of its hybrid MP3 three-wheeled scooter. The new Piaggio MP3 Hybrid 300ie features huge power uplift over the last year’s 124cc version. The new version pairs a gasoline powered 278cc engine with a synchronous brushless permanent magnet motor in a parallel hybrid drive system with an automatic CVT transmission.



The hybrid scooter offers four drive modes: two hybrid and two electric modes that add more to the fun and rider’s enjoyment without losing advantages of the revolutionary Plug-In hybrid technology. The hybrid power mode optimizes the performance that, as per Piaggio’s claims, equals to a 400cc gas-powered scooter.

On the other, switching to hybrid mode or fully electric mode is made possible with the press of a button, mounted on the right handlebar. Also, MP3 Hybrid 300ie features a ride-by-wire throttle system to moderate as to how much power is drawn from engine and the motor.



The Hybrid 300ie can run up to 20km on a full charge of lithium ion batteries in pure electric mode, while riding in hybrid mode will increase the range considerably. Its fuel economy is 141mpg which is twice the fuel economy of its equivalent gasoline-powered counterpart that too while producing less than half the amount of CO2 emissions.

Source:Piaggio Launches 278cc Version Of Its Hybrid MP3 Three-wheeled Scooter - Auto Motto