More information regarding the Vespa Elettrica was revealed at EICMA in Milan, Italy.
The Vespa Elettrica is a reflection of modern Italian technology. It is synonymous with advanced connectivity and quiet operation, customization and accessibility, respect for the environment and unique style.
Vespa Elettrica, which is characterized by its easy ride, takes shape as the highest expression of Piaggio Group research in the electric mobility area to meet the needs of a growing environmental sensitivity, with the goal of providing technological solutions for an increasingly sustainable and livable urban habitat.
The heart of Vespa Elettrica is a Power Unit capable of delivering continuous power of 3.5 kW and peak power of 4 kW: values that, combined with a torque of over 200 Nm, provide performance superior to that of a traditional 50 cc scooter, especially in terms of acceleration and uphill power that benefits from the typical quick output of electric motors.
Vespa Elettrica guarantees a maximum range of up to 100 km, a value that does not change significantly on a rural route, thanks to a modern lithium ion battery and an efficient Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS), which charges it in the deceleration phases. Charging operations are simple with a lithium-ion battery, just like the one in modern smartphones.
As further confirmation of how extremely easy user-friendly Vespa Elettrica is, the motor and battery pack are completely maintenance-free. The battery provides excellent efficiency for up to 1000 full charging cycles. This translates into a range of between 50,000 and 70,000 km, equivalent to approximately 10 years of operation for a vehicle intended for urban commuting. Even after the thousand charging cycles, the battery still maintains 80 percent of its capacity and is perfectly usable. Located under the helmet compartment, the compact battery pack does not compromise the functionality of the Vespa Elettrica seat compartment, which can hold a Jet helmet.
The Ride by Wire electronic accelerator controls the power output of Vespa Elettrica’s motor. By pressing the RIDING MODE button on the right-hand side of the handlebar, the rider can choose between ECO and Power, in addition to Reverse mode for easier handling of Vespa Elettrica while maneuvering. ECO mode, intended to save energy, extends battery life; speed is limited to 30 km/h and acceleration is more gradual. However, Power is the basic riding mode which fully exploits the power of the motor.
The many features offered by a new version of the Vespa Multimedia Platform, the multimedia system that connects a smartphone to the vehicle, can be managed through a man-machine interface incorporating a digital instrument panel with a 4.3 inch color TFT display.
The extensive information displayed is arranged in a very impressive and extremely rational graphic diagram. The center of the screen always contains the main information such as speed, selected riding modes, residual range in km and battery charge level (percent), while the ecological riding quality and the level of energy used or recovered during the ride are indicated on either side. But it is using the dedicated Vespa App on your smartphone and connecting it to the vehicle – via Bluetooth – that lets you take full advantage of the capabilities of the TFT display on which all notifications of incoming calls and messages appear, highly visible in the center.
The system also allows you to use the handlebar buttons to answer calls and to use the smartphone’s voice commands to make calls or play music from your own playlist.
As with every Vespa, Vespa Elettrica can also be customized and made into a unique piece, following the personality of the rider, thanks to a rich range of accessories. The dedicated top box, painted entirely in the same color as the vehicle and enhanced by the chromed Vespa badge, can hold a full-face helmet. The top box can be finished with a backrest, covered in the same material as the seat. The chrome-plated base where the top box is mounted can also be used as a luggage rack. An extra touch of elegance is provided by the genuine Italian leather seat and backrest that are subjected to a special protective treatment in order to maintain a high level of quality over time.
Maximum protection is provided by a windshield made of high-quality anti-splinter methacrylate, customized with the Vespa logo; the support brackets are made with a chrome finish in line with the other aesthetic details. Vespa Elettrica can also be fitted with a top fairing – available both transparent and smoked – that elegantly rounds off the front design of the vehicle.
The classic chrome front and rear luggage racks are also available for Vespa Elettrica. The front side and rear chrome mudguards elegantly finish the vehicle and protect the bodywork. A hand-crafted black leather bag, which can accommodate a jet helmet with visor can be easily fastened to the rear luggage rack.
Another novelty is the original backpack with LED piping that can be taken apart and used as an internal bag for the top box and backrest with built-in helmet bag. Equipped with a special laptop compartment and a power bank for charging mobile devices, the backpack is also available in an innovative reflective fabric that matches Vespa Elettrica’s typical chrome grey color.
The range of Vespa Elettrica accessories is also enriched by the convenient side-stand – in black-painted steel to make parking easier, an outdoor cover and an indoor “big logo” cover, both with convenient openings to accommodate any accessories, and a non-slip rubber mat.
An electronic alarm is available for Vespa Elettrica as is a mechanical saddle-handlebar lock and a line of customized mechanical anti-theft devices. The essential mittens and leg covers are practical and fast to fit, made of thermal material to provide excellent protection from the weather. The Vespa Elettrica leg cover bears a metal Vespa logo and provides maximum stability even at high speeds. The saddle cover and anti-theft device are integrated in the accessory.
Link: Vespa
