Peugeot presents 4-wheeled, PHEV scooter – as easy to ride as a 3-wheeler!

Peugeot has unveiled its take on a four-wheeled, plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) scooter as part of the “Efficient Urban Light Vehicle” (EU-LIVE) urban mobility project. The electrified concept light vehicle has been adapted for urban and semi-urban use “with a zero-emission mode for city driving” according to the French manufacturer.

The Paris-based manufacturer was one of only 12 companies from 6 different countries to be involved in the European Commission-funded project and is the only car manufacturer in the list. The project itself is part of the “Horizon 2020 GV5” Research and Innovation programme and is reported to possess a budget of €6.7 million.

As a result of the collaboration between several technical partners, the EU-LIVE consortium was able to unveil the new L5e-category electrified mobility solution. If Googling L5e is too much effort, what that stands for is basically a denomination that refers to vehicles with 3 wheels that one can use above 50 km/h and on any road.

Now, on to the star of the show! The scooter features a plug-in hybrid powertrain setup that consists of an internal combustion engine paired to two in-wheel electric motors combined with a 48V Samsung battery – the single-cylinder engine pumps out a total of 42 hp, by the way. Total range is quoted at 300 km while top speed is 130 km/h.

At speeds below 70 km/h, the vehicle operates exclusively in zero-emissions mode. Above that and onward to its maximum speed, the single-cylinder engine takes over propulsion duties. Further adding to the scooter’s credibility as an urban mobility solution is the physical footprint – it measures in at just 2.4 metres by 0.85 metres.

Based on the architecture similar to that of a tricycle, the scooter possesses a hydraulic tilting mechanism along with roll-control technology (hydraulic components and hydropneumatic suspension feature as part of the setup) that is said to make it as easy to operate as a regular three-wheeled scooter. If one is confused as to how can this vehicle fall under the L5e category despite having 4 wheels, allow Peugeot to clarify.

“It’s a question of the distance between the wheels that must measure less than 460 mm,” explains Groupe PSA spokesperson, Laure de Servigny. As the rear wheels are 456 mm apart, it qualifies as a three-wheeler. Or in this case, an L5 tricyle.”

Elsewhere, it features rotating doors to facilitate perpendicular parking. The cabin itself is sealed from the outside world and is even equipped with an airbag. As a result, it completely negates the need for a helmet, jacket, gloves and other protective gear.

Carla Gohin, Senior Vice President, Research and Advanced Engineering of PSA Peugeot Citroën commented, ““Groupe PSA has committed to protecting individual freedom of movement. EU-LIVE is an illustrative example of it. This new electrified light vehicle allows an individual, safe and sustainable mobility thanks to its zero-emission mode. We are proud to take part in this European project with all our partners.”