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Vespa Elettrica

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“The Vespa Elettrica will, first and foremost, be a true Vespa,” according to Vespa, “bringing the very latest in electric technology to a vehicle that will retain all the features that have been vital to its success. The style, agility, ease of use, and riding pleasure will be the same as the Vespa we have always known, with the addition of technological and innovative connectivity solutions—a perfect mix of excitement, technology and environmental friendliness that only Vespa can create. Like it has always done in its first 70 years of history.”

Design follows typical Vespa styling - retro, yet with modern touches and the Elettrica gets an all-metal body, with an electric motor that is described as the future of mobility. The Vespa Elettrica is an all-electric model, featuring its classic Vespa look, but with a light blue accent stripe (possibly indicating at its electric nature).

The Piaggio Group has a history of electric powered motors that stretches back to the 1970s, and has also produced a hybrid scooter, so the Italian company is certainly a credible player in the EV game.

Electric motors are well suited to scooters, as the constantly variable transmissions already give the rider the same seamless feel that an electric motor gives. Plus, there are no concerns about the appearance of the powerplants, as scooters traditionally hide them behind bodyworks.

Not quite ready for production at this time though, Vespa says that it will be working with leaders in the electric drivetrain business to develop the Elettrica, making the scooter shown at EICMA more of a concept than a finalized vehicle. So far, there are no other details available about the Elettrica, but Vespa says the electric scooter will be offered on sale by the second half of 2017.