Click above for a high-res gallery of the Piaggio MP3 Hybrid Piaggio has said that a new hybrid version of its MP3 three-wheeled scooter will debut in Italy and Spain later this summer. We’d wager a guess that the €150 million in low-interest loans from the European Investment Bank to Piaggio late last year spurred on the vehicle’s development somewhat. The new hybrid scooter will reportedly be capable of about 12 miles using nothing but electricity, but the MP3′s single cylinder, 250cc gas-powered engine will be able to kick in and provide extended range when necessary. Regenerative braking is also included in the package. The MP3′s electric motor should also provide a usable boost in performance, especially at low speeds, all the while promoting fuel mileage that could be as high as 140 miles per gallon . A lithium ion battery pack will be used by the MP3 Hybrid, which will take up to 4 hours to recharge and likely accounts for a large portion of the scooter’s expected price range of €8,000 to €10,000 when it goes on sale later this year in Europe. Gallery: Piaggio MP3 hybrid scooter [Source: Visordown ] Auto Blog: Hybrid , On Two Wheels , Europe/EU Piaggio MP3 Hybrid set for sale this summer originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 17:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green

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Piaggio MP3 Hybrid set for sale this summer