Honda says they're working on hybrid motorcycles eh? Well Peugot is doing them one better...they've already got a concept hybrid scooter on the drawing board.

The Hymotion3 concept beats out traditional scooters in several ways. First, you've got that extra wheel, so you don't have to worry about sticking your fancy Italian leather shoes into the muck at stoplights. Second, there's a full wind-screen and cover, to keep you safe from the elements.

But most importantly, there's the mileage gain. While most scooters certainly excel in efficiency, the Hymotion blows them all away. The hybrid drive (which powers the front two wheels entirely independently) boots the mileage up to 118 MPG. And at low speeds, the engine turns off entirely and the front wheels power the scooter.

But whether the Hymotion will actually ever exist is up in the air. Certainly with gas prices and a tightening economy, scooter sales will increase...but models that require extra investment for a probably-not-that-significant gasoline savings might have a tougher time.

Full press release below.

Via AutoBlogGreen

PRESS RELEASE:

The missing link

Occupying a half-way house between the world of the scooter and the car, the HYmotion3 compressor is a highly original proposal designed to facilitate urban mobility. Attractive thanks to its dynamic, streamlined and futuristic style; it is an interesting concept combining numerous benefits (size, safety and comfort) with "HYmotion" hybrid/petrol technology. This new generation technology creates a three wheel drive vehicle, benefiting safety and driveability and combining economy with an environmentally-friendly specification (CO2 emissions of only 47 g/km in the combined cycle, zero in electric only mode).

The HYmotion3 compressor concept is a means of transport with no affiliation to a particular type of vehicle. With its three wheels and its streamlined body, it is something of a missing link between two worlds which to date are quite distinct: that of the scooter and that of the car. With an electric motor in each of its two front wheels, coupled at the rear with a petrol engine, it brings into play very innovative hybrid technologies allowing each of its wheels to provide motive power.

In a world of intensifying urban traffic where everyone is trying to save time, where oil prices are skyrocketing and the environment is more than ever a priority, design departments are vying in ingenuity to develop solutions for the future.

Giving full rein to their creativity and expertise, two separate Peugeot teams converged on a similar idea and finally worked in tandem to develop a particularly original project: the HYmotion3 compressor.

This "concept car", or rather "concept scooter", is based on the extensive experience of Peugeot Motorcycles, specialists in the scooter field, as well as the creativity and innovative capabilities of stylists and engineers working for Automobiles Peugeot.

To create this concept, Peugeot was able to draw on its extensive experience in the world of transportation enabling each individual, according to their age or their needs, to choose from among the Marque's cycles, motorcycles and cars.

This vehicle offers an ideal mix of the benefits of a scooter and particular characteristics of a car.

Its design is based on three wheels for maximum stability, safety and driveability. Its width of 82 cm enables it to thread a path through urban traffic with all the efficiency of a two-wheeler. The front windscreen extends to the rear of the vehicle to form a highly effective shield against bad weather for the rider and passenger.

In addition, regulations in France allow the vehicle to be driven with a B licence only, giving it a wide range of potential customers.

Finally, this vehicle incorporates HYmotion technology, also featured on other concept-cars in the Peugeot exhibition space at the Paris Motor Show. This new generation hybrid technology incorporates the supercharged petrol engine already featured in the Peugeot Satelis scooter. With a power of 15 kW (20 bhp) driving the rear wheel, it is combined with two electric motors, each with an output of 3 kW, located in the front wheels.

This configuration develops a maximum power of 21 kW (29 bhp) for a particularly low fuel consumption of 2.0 litres/100 km and CO2 emissions of 47 g/km in the combined cycle, or 0 in electric only mode. The design of the HYmotion3 compressor, with its three wheel drive, provides positive
benefits for both safety and drivability.

Thanks to its extreme hybridisation, the HYmotion3 compressor concept creates a new benchmark in terms of safety (improved traction and braking), practicality and environmental-friendliness, offering original versatility at one with its environment.

Comments (4)

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Why is this big news?
written by Matt , October 07, 2008

This is really only impressive for people switching from cars. Honda makes a small engine version of one of their sport bikes (the cbr125rr) which can go in excess of highway speeds that gets a reported 125 miles per gallon. Also Piaggio(Vespa's parent company) is all set to release a hybrid drive two front wheel scooter that gets 170 MPG. It also looks way cooler than peugot's version

mispelled
written by Anan , October 08, 2008

i think you misspell the name, it's Peugeot, not Peugot.

miles per gallon per person
written by Karsten , October 08, 2008

You can ride with a passenger with this thing. The per person mpg is around 238. Probably less since there is additional weight. My 1997 Saturn's per person mpg is 175 if loaded with 5. How many load their vehicle to the max with people is another question.

We should mention the carrying capacity of vehicles and how it translates into mile per gallon per person if used efficiently. I am tired of hearing that motorcycles are oh-so efficient but, all too often, each person rides their own.

Karsten
http://www.polluteless.com

...
written by CNCMike , October 08, 2008

"highly effective shield against bad weather for the rider and passenger."


I like it but it looks like the only passenger that would fit is a 12 pack.

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