Italian scooter-maker Piaggio has unveiled a plug-in hybrid three-wheeler it says will get up to 141 mpg and could be on the road as early as next year.

The gas-electric version of Piaggio’s funky but fun MP3 scooter uses a parallel hybrid system much like that in the Toyota Prius but advances the technology by adding an electrical cord. Although Toyota, General Motors and several other automakers are developing cars that can be charged from a wall socket, Piaggio’s timeline, if met, would make it the first in the world to mass-produce a plug-in hybrid.

The Piaggio MP3, X9, and the classic Vespa LX are introucing to you. So you can now save time, money and the environment as traffic models show positive impact of motor scooters on environment & traffic congestion. More scooters to traffic mix could save time and money lost to traffic delays and reduce emissions says a traffic model examining a central section of midtown Manhattan in New York City. The traffic model was developed by transportation engineering and planning firm Sam Schwartz PLLC using Synchro/Sim Traffic 6.0.

Piaggio’s been working on its HyS hybrid drivetrain for more than a year. It uses a four-stroke gasoline engine that runs at a near constant speed so it can be tuned for excellent fuel economy and low emissions. (Piaggio says the MP3 Hybrid emits 40 grams of carbon per kilometer; for comparison, the Prius emits 104.) The motor also charges the battery, which is located under the seat. A “fly by wire” system determines the optimal mix of gasoline and electric power depending upon rider demands. Motorcycle Consumer News says the HyS hybrid system can go about 12.5 miles on full electric power.

Also of note is the 50cc version of this powertrain, which is installed in the Vespa LX model. This beast gets only 24 volts of power, but can still perform like its 125cc larger sibling. Best of all, the machine can return up to 142 mpg while emitting only 40 grams of CO2 per kilometer. The 50cc model can travel at 15 mph for 12 miles on electric power alone while the larger 125cc version can do 25 mph for 12 miles on battery power.

[Source: Piaggio and Cycle World]