peugeot develops an electric three-wheeled PHEV tilting scooter

peugeot unveils an electrified mobility solution positioned between the two-wheel and four-wheel segments, equipped with a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle powertrain, two electric in-wheel motors and a petrol internal combustion engine.

all images © peugeot

peugeot has expanded its design expertise beyond the automotive industry, in a bid to lead the research and manufacturing phases for the electric scooter. the vehicle runs in zero-emission mode at speeds of up to 70 km/h (44 mph) using two rear electric in-wheel motors, developed in collaboration with brembo and elaphe. the 48 V samsung battery can be recharged using regenerative braking technology. when driving on inter-urban roads at speeds of between 70 (44) and 130 km/h (81 mph), the scooters 31-kilowatt single-cylinder petrol engine takes over the propulsion. the lightweight vehicle has a total range of 300 km (186 m) and a top speed of 130 km/h (81 mph).

the PHEV’s tilting mechanism offers superior handling, making the vehicle as easy to drive as a three-wheel scooter. this and the roll-control technology account for more than half of the 13 patents filed by peugeot. the system notably makes use of hydraulic components and hydropneumatic suspension. the vehicle’s small footprint (2.4 m x 0.85 m) and rotating doors facilitate perpendicular parking and free up road space. as well as an enclosed, heated cabin, the vehicle also features seatbelts and an airbag, making helmets, gloves, waterproof jackets and other protective gear unnecessary.