Piaggio finally shows the real Vespa Elettrica, improved equivalent of a 50 cc

While the Italian brand showed last year a classic Vespa painted blue, it revealed this time a real electric scooter with a range of 100 km. With an X version that pushes the cap up to 200 km, thanks to a second engine.

This time, the true Vespa Elettrica was presented by the Italian group Piaggio at the International Motorcycle and Scooter Show (EICMA) in Milan. In other words, a Vespa scooter whose engine is electric and quiet.

Because last year at this time, in November, we saw on the group's stand a Vespa certainly very pretty, announced as the electric prototype - but which was actually a classic Vespa painted in a new blue tint ... all the art of buzz before the hour.

The little wasp without gasoline is expected to hit the market for good next year. In the second half of 2018, to be precise. We can order it from next spring.

But what electric animal are we talking about here? In view of the information in the Piaggio press kit, this ion-driven scooter will be the equivalent of a 50cc in gasoline powered scooters. A vehicle therefore strictly reserved for urban use, or short trips. The maximum speed is not revealed, except in the so-called economic world, where it is limited to 30 km / h. However, we are told that Elettrica will accelerate significantly more vigorously than a gasoline Vespa.

The silhouette is that of a Vespa. The color is metallic gray, with parts in blue.

The range of 100 km (officially) is provided by a group of batteries located in the compartment under the saddle. There will be enough room to fit under the saddle also a small jet helmet (without chin guard). Like on a classic Vespa, it seems. And Piaggio trumpets that the full cooldown will not exceed 4 hours, which is a good performance if it's true.

Front view. The headlight is LED.

There is even a reverse, obviously electric.

The little Elettrica will be distinguished by its quiet operation. A promotional video very well done already exploits this character trait. We see a young woman go home and hear all the noises we do not usually perceive because of traffic: baby who chirps, etc.

The X version, with a heat engine like "range eXtender".

The president of the Piaggio group Roberto Colanninno has even announced the arrival of a variant X of Elettrica, supposed to go even further. Literally. The presence in the X of a small engine in addition to the electric should give a maximum autonomy of 200 km, twice that of pure Elettrica. Of which 50 in electric mode, and 150 thanks to gasoline.

The thermal single cylinder comes into action when the battery charge drops below a certain threshold. This is the first scooter with a "range extender", as we see on some electric cars.

Otherwise, the two new Vespas feature the very best in multimedia connectivity. In other words, Vespa Multimedia Platform. An interface between the smartphone and the electronics of the scooter, which can act as GPS, which allows you to know when to do the next service, to take a call via the helmet etc. all appearing on the new 4.5-inch edge screen, in color, and controlled by a dedicated button on the comodo.

The new dashboard.

Piaggio will even market a Jet helmet that goes with the Elettrica and has an intercom ... in the same color as the scooter. The Vespa Elettrica is delivered in a metallic gray color, but it also has several parts on the body whose color can be chosen. As standard, pure Elettrica is added with blue, while it is orange for Elettrica X.
But there are still six other shades. That we will find on the helmet.
We do not yet know what will be the price of Elettrica and Elettrica X. But we already know that Piaggio will offer a financial service to pay monthly bills, in any case to rent his Vespa, with included in the price a VIP service including handling, assistance and insurance.