Peugeot HYbrid3 Evolution

Peugeot is best known for its cars, but the French marque has been peddling two-wheeled vehicles (mainly in Europe) for quite some time. And now the company is branching out into the three-wheeled realm.

The new HYbrid3 Evolution concept is a petrol-electric hybrid contraption that was unveiled at the 2009 EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, Italy.

Looking very much like Piaggio's three-wheeled MP3 scooter and featuring similar cantilever engineering at the front end, Peugeot's hybrid concept boasts three motors driving all three wheels.

The HYbrid3 Evolution's rear wheel is powered by a conventional 300cc petrol unit developing 41hp, while the front wheels are paired with compact 3kW electric motors that deliver roughly 8hp combined.

The net result? A 3WD hybrid freakshow that will never lose traction. In theory…

Peugeot is keen to publicise the trike concept's frugal nature, claimed to use a combined city/highway average of 2lt of petrol every 100km travelled, while emitting 48 grams of CO2 per kilometre.

Interestingly, the two electric motors are not mechanically connected to the rear wheel, only electronically via the ECU. As such, the HYbrid3 Evolution concept can run in three modes:

- Petrol RWD
- Petrol + electric combined 3WD
- Electric FWD (for up to 10km )

Peugeot has not divulged whether it will push the HYbrid3 Evolution from concept to production, but it certainly looks rideable. With the Piaggio MP3 carving out its own niche market, Peugeot's three-wheeler certainly wouldn't be troubled for would-be customers.