Shock the Monkey: Piaggio reportedly launching lithium-powered electric Ape Calessino
Piaggio Ape - Click above for high-res image gallery
According to reports coming out of Europe, Italian scooter maker Piaggio has just unveiled a new fully electric version of its iconic Ape Calessino three-wheeler, a beast of burden normally powered by a 422cc diesel engine. Separating the new EV from its fossil-fueled variants is a new white paint job with burgundy doors and canvas top (not shown). The new electric Ape is powered by a lithium ion battery pack and an electric motor that reportedly allows for a range of up to 75 kilometers (just under 50 miles). A full recharge of the battery pack will take less than four hours, but that's surely dependent on the type of outlet the electric Ape's plugged into.
There's no indication on horsepower, torque or top speed that we've been able to suss out yet, but Piaggio is apparently claiming the battery pack is good for 800 recharge cycles. It seems an initial run of just 100 lithium-powered Apes are slated for production, all intended for European consumption. Want one? Better get out the checkbook – the lithium-powered Ape is expected to sell for €19,900 (over $30K in U.S. funds) plus Value Added Tax (VAT).
Gallery: Piaggio Ape
[Source: Faster and Faster]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
letstakeawalk 6:09PM (7/28/2009)
I'd just like to point out that the original is called "Ape" because that's Italian for "Bee". Which describes the buzzing sound the legendary ICE-powered original makes.
Maybe they'll come up with another aptronym... any suggestions?
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Rick C. 6:15PM (7/28/2009)
And it's pronounced 'ah-pe', not 'ape' as in bone crunching furry critter.
Cameron 6:28PM (7/28/2009)
What will Tony Jaa do if these things won't blow up spectacularly!!!???
THINK ABOUT THE KUNG FU STARS!!!
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BoxerFanatic 6:36PM (7/28/2009)
With lithium batteries on board, if they rupture, it will be just like special effects in the movies.
Huge, near explosive, very hot fireball.
Good idea for a rickshaw, NOT.
DasBoese 6:57PM (7/28/2009)
@BoxerFanatic
Wow. You must be terrified everytime someone uses a laptop near you, and considering the fact that practically everyone carries a cellphone, I can barely imagine the constant state of mortal fear you must live in.
BoxerFanatic 11:14AM (7/29/2009)
DasBoese...
I work with laptops for a living. I have seen lithium batteries swell, and I have worked with two different lithium battery recalls.
There is news that ipods and cell phones can start fires.
I also occaisionally fly lithium battery powered RC Helicopters, and I know how to take care of lithium batteries.
I also know the dangers, if they are badly handled, especially if they are discharged below ~3.5 volts per cell, if they are over-charged, or over-discharged, which cause heat, and can rupture the air-tight casing of the battery, exposing it to oxygen.
Lithium and oxygen auto-ignite, if they come in contact, and burn VERY hot. Like 1500 degrees fahrenheit kind of hot.
A single lithium cell is not nearly as much of a problem as dozens or hundreds of pounds of lithium in a cell array to power a rickshaw, or a car.
[sarcasm-for the benefit of DasBoese...]
And those NEVER get into accidents. Taxis never get abused, and over-used. They'll never get over-discharged. Or over-current charged to try and get them back in service faster. They'll never get pushed harder on a depleted cell array. They'll never get mistreated, or anything...[/sarcasm]
Seriously... it is not anywhere nearly the same as a single 3.7 volt cell in a mobile phone, or an mp3 player, which don't draw much current, and just shut down when the cell drops to a minimum safe voltage, and charges via USB's 5 volts and half an amp or so.
Maybe YOU should get more informed before commenting on my state of mind, which you have no insight into.
RLQ 6:53PM (7/28/2009)
I'd roll in one on 24's.
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Jake 6:49PM (7/28/2009)
I suppose that I am going to start hearing now how cool these are and how I am a dumb, clueless American driving too much car and I should think that these are cool and be driving one of these.
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DasBoese 6:59PM (7/28/2009)
Projecting much?
HJC 2 7:45PM (7/28/2009)
LOOK It's the new GM Obamamobile
DasBoese 7:08PM (7/28/2009)
It's a logical step forward.
These vehicles have been common in large parts of Europe for much of the last century, providing utilitarian, no-frills efficient transport, they're practically an icon for it.
They helped rebuild our ravaged countries after WW2 and to bring prosperity to hard working people. Maybe the electric version can do the same as we struggle to overcome a century's worth of economical an ecological irresposibility.
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Rev Junkie 11:24PM (7/28/2009)
Umm, with the $30K projected price... I think that keeps this from being transport for the masses. Not to mention they're only making 100 of these. It's like making an original Beetle with a $50K hydrogen-fuel cell. It's a futuristic powertrain on an icon, but who would shell out $50K for a Beetle?
Rocketboy 9:02PM (7/28/2009)
Why do I get the feeling it won't be as fun as this...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibImp5lCJjc&feature=related
?
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P.V. 9:47PM (7/28/2009)
These already exist in gasoline- and LPG-/CNG- powered forms. They're called auto-rickshaws and they are ubiquitous in South and Southeast Asia.
I really don't see what the novelty in the design is except for the application of Li-ion batteries, which is just a logical step forward for the basic design of the auto-rickshaw.
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David Z. 10:25PM (7/28/2009)
$30,000 for a golf cart that's missing a wheel? I'll pass.
Seriously, how in the world can they justify charging €19,900 for that? I'd rather drive a Tata Nano.
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Redline 11:53PM (7/28/2009)
It's a rickshaw? (I won't mention India for fear of being labeled a racist)
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tankd0g 12:36AM (7/29/2009)
Good for 800 charge cycles. So the battery is toast in about 2-3 years, just like every other li-ion battery. I bet replacements are cheap...
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Co.Bra. 5:10AM (7/29/2009)
Just a couple of notes:
1) Ape here in Italy is still used for light-duty transport, much in rural areas and little, medieval-age towns.
2) Diesel-engined Ape Calessino is a (Not cheap) limited re-edition of the Ape used in the sixties as a "beach car", not unlike Mini Moke and Citroen Mehari. It's meant to be used in places like Capri or Portofino, by private (Likely rich) tourist, municipalities or tourism agencies. Given that, I don't think that the price tag is much of a problem, to be able to move in the centre of seaside towns, thanks to electrical power
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jen@mph 11:32AM (7/29/2009)
In my country, Peru, these type of "scooters" are called Taxi-Cholo. So! they haven't invented nothing new here.
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