Piaggio Porter NPE: The van is now also available as an e-car
As a zero-emission transporter, the compact Piaggio Porter NPE can better leverage its good maneuverability and high payload in city centers.
(Image: Piaggio)
Despite, or perhaps because of, its compactness, the Piaggio Porter van is a staple in Italy and many other export markets. Now, the small commercial vehicle is available in a battery-electric version as the Porter NPE. With this, the traditional Italian manufacturer expands its Porter NP6 family with a zero-emission transporter. This allows this model to leverage its advantages, such as good maneuverability and an above-average payload in its segment, in urban areas that are closed to internal combustion engine vehicles. Piaggio offers the Porter NPE in three new factory configurations as a flatbed, tipper, or tipper with higher side walls. These are in addition to the classic version as a chassis for custom superstructures.
Three factory configurations
All three factory load area configurations feature a galvanized and powder-coated steel structure with aluminum side walls that open on three sides. The electro-hydraulic tipping system, with its mobile control panel, allows the tipping process to be observed and controlled more precisely from behind the vehicle. Piaggio specifies payloads of 880 kg for the flatbed truck, 790 kg for the tipper, and 730 kg for the tipper with raised side walls. The load area measures 2800 by 1620 mm, with side wall heights of 400 and 600 mm respectively. Piaggio rates the chassis for a payload of up to 1050 kg; the weight of the superstructure must still be deducted for the actual payload.
Piaggio Porter NPE (8 Bilder)
Piaggio
)As for 125 years
The cabin has been limited to a width of 1640 mm, also considering its use on narrow mountain roads or in historic city centers – making it at least 500 mm narrower than a typical light commercial vehicle. In its smallest configuration, the Piaggio Porter NPE – like the entire Porter NP6 family – occupies only 6.9 m² of road space. This makes it ideal for road maintenance departments and municipal utilities. The wheelbase is 2650 or 3070 mm, the curb weight is 1756 kg, and the length depends on the configuration. As is common with transporters, Piaggio uses the solution proven for 125 years with two longitudinal members and a rear axle guided and sprung by leaf springs. The Porter NPE has independent front suspension.
Piaggio Porter NPE Interior (3 Bilder)
Piaggio
)For the drive, Piaggio chose the industry-standard solution where the motor, inverter, and gearbox are combined into a single unit. This drives the rear axle to ensure maximum traction when loaded and going uphill. 150 kW peak and 60 kW continuous power correspond to 342 Nm peak and 128 Nm continuous torque. The electric drive accelerates the Porter NPE to a top speed of 90 km/h, making it suitable for the intended use of the new city e-truck.
42 kWh LFP battery for 200 km range
Its 42 kWh, 350-volt LFP battery, located between the chassis longitudinal members, guarantees an urban range of up to 250 km at 60 km/h for a Porter NPE with a box body according to WLTP; otherwise, 200 km are stated. In DC fast charging mode, the battery can be charged from 20 (!) to 70 (!) percent in as little as 30 minutes under optimal conditions; AC charging at 11 kW should achieve this within four hours. Standard battery preheating is intended to prevent charging processes from becoming too long in cold weather. Piaggio offers an 8-year or 160,000 km warranty on the lithium iron phosphate battery.
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The Porter NPE is equipped with safety systems in accordance with European Regulation GSR 661/2009/EC. This includes, among other things, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Keeping System (ELKS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ISA), Park Collision Warning (PCW), Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS), Electronic Parking Brake (EPB), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Trailer Stability Management (TSM), Traction Control System (TCS), Active Roll Protection (ARP), and more.
The new Porter NPE is now available in the colors Marble White, Amber Orange, Jade Green, and Opal Blue, the traditional color for Piaggio transporters for decades.
(fpi)