Peugeot HYbrid3 Evolution concept (2009) revealed

Peugeot’s car division has lagged miles behind rivals when it comes to hybrids – its first doesn’t go on sale until 2011. But it’s all different on the bike side of the company, which could be among the first to introduce a hybrid scooter.

The three-wheel Hybrid3 Evolution has a supercharged 300cc petrol engine that sends 41bhp to the single rear wheel, and a pair of electric motors delivering a total of 8bhp to the twin front wheels.

It’ll hit 62mph in 10sec, emits just 48g/km of CO2 and, just like a Prius, it can run in various modes employing either petrol or electric power, or even both together. It has a stop-start function and can travel 10km on electric power alone.

Officially it’s just a concept, but since rival Piaggio has already confirmed production of its own plug-in hybrid three-wheeler, it seems inconceivable that the suspiciously showroom ready-looking Peugeot won’t be available to buy before the end of 2010.

But unlike their 50cc cousins, big scooters, and particularly the incredibly stable three-wheelers (which are a bridge between the bike and car worlds) can cost £5k. With the extra cost of a hybrid powertrain, this one would have to be considerably pricier, taking it into scrappage-subsidised Hyundai i10 territory, although the ability to nip down bus lanes and avoid the London congestion charge certainly appeal.

By Chris Chilton