I completely don't get the gasoline-engine range extender version, on a vehicle this small. This class of Vespa (equiv. to the 50CC ones) aren't ridden fast -- 50km/h (30mph) is the typical top cruising speed. So aerodynamics aren't the big issue for range/efficiency they are for electric motorcycles in general.
With the exception of the courier market, noone would do >50km/day on one. Even couriers typically do only 60-80mi/day (100-130km) .
Surely a larger battery for a longer-range version would make a lot more sense than the complexity of adding engine+fuel tank (even if the engine doesn't drive the wheel and only charges the battery, as is the case here)? Even if adding battery capacity is a bit more expensive up front, surely it would even up fairly quickly by not needing to do the ICE engine maintenance?
Also, is it really worth it having a regen system for a vehicle this size?
I'm curious what this will end up costing, but unfortunately looking at Piaggio's PR, it's clear it'll be a hipster item & expensive, not primarily a transportation appliance.
As someone who had one of the original 2-stroke Vespas a long time ago, that's saddening... But at least, it's another Western mainstream P2W manufacturer offering an electric vehicle.
