Sadly, I was unable to attend, but I could comfort myself with endless scrolling through the show’s official page. And while it was difficult to choose the coolest vehicles on display, these were three that really blew me away.
The Vespa Elettrica RED
Yes, I know, Vespas are always iconic and beautiful. And yes, the electric Vespa was already introduced way back in January. But this one is… RED!!! While the color might be the only new feature ‘spec-wise’ the Vespa Elettrica RED does come with and added dose of the feel goods. Piaggio has teamed up with (RED), a non-profit organization that helps fight global pandemics such as HIV and AIDS. For every Vespa RED purchased, a $100 will go to supporting the organization’s mission. Performance-wise, the Vespa RED shares the same characteristics with the original electric model. It comes with a 4.2kWh battery and has two top speed variants: 40km/h for inner-city rides and 70km/h, which can easily take it on a highway. I also love its multimedia display that connects the vehicle with your smartphone.
The Fantic escooter concept
Well, I wouldn’t call it a beauty per se… but it does undoubtedly possess the allure of tricked out gamer rigs. There’s just something about its aggressive futurism that I find weirdly striking. Interestingly, it’s the first escooter vision from Fantic, which produces motorcycles and ebikes, and we can see that it’s kinda a mix of both. Powered by a 3kWh electric motor, the model on display is a 50cc scooter, although the company is envisioning a 125cc version as well. It’ll be equipped with a 2,200Wh lithium battery and will have with a second battery as well, which the Italian brand says will guaranty range of more than 100km. The scooter can be operated via smartphone with a dedicated app and customized with various accessories, including high windshield, leg deflectors, leg cover, rear case, and side bags. As for when it’ll reach production? We have no idea, but I’d like to see it in action soon.
The NAWA Racer
This one’s my favorite by far. Merging the retro vibes of a 1920s café with a souped up racing motorcycle, the NAWA racer is an absolute stunner. The bike also brings an intriguing modern twist, featuring the world’s first hybrid electric powertrain, as NAWA claims. Simply put, the bike’s battery combines two different power sources: the conventional lithium-ion cells and nano-based ultracapacitors (i.e. supercapacitors), patented by the company as NAWACap. According to NAWA, the combined tech has four impressive advantages: it improves efficiency, reduces the size of the battery and the charging time, doubles the range, and extends the system’s life. Plus, the company says the technology is scalable and could be applied to EVs as well — which is something I’d really like to see. Not a lot of the NAWA Racer’s specs have been disclosed, but the company has said its meant to have a whopping 300km range and a 62mph acceleration in under three seconds. But here’s the sad news: the bike’s only a concept and NAWA doesn’t plan to build it itself. Instead, it’s seeking partners who are interested in making a production version (and probably who’ve got enough cash to get it off the ground). Maybe it’s time I consider selling some organs.
