Piaggio Porter specialist range offers electric option


Piaggio Ltd has introduced the 2005 Porter range of vans and specialist vehicles to the UK market. The versatile and compact Porter range offers customers in both the private and public sectors, a choice of seven models, two chassis, three engines - including electric power, two wheelbases, two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, more than 50 specialist bodywork variations and payload capacities ranging from 560 kg to 1120 kg - depending on model.


The 3,390mm long Porter Pick-Up features a steel frame chassis structure, combined with an up-rated suspension to carry 680kg. The 1,980mm long and 1,330mm wide load deck can be ordered with steel or alloy drop-down sides and tailboard, for easy access in restricted locations. The load deck is 715mm from the ground and for safety, all the drop-down sides are fitted with flush release handles.

The Porter Tipper is 75mm longer than the Pick-Up and the load area measures 1,980mm x 1,400mm. A hydraulically operated under-floor ram can tilt the tipping body and its 680kg payload up to 45o. The “small giant” of the Piaggio range, the Porter Maxxi, features a reinforced chassis frame, an extended wheelbase (up by 370mm), a twin-wheels wide-track rear axle and a further up-rated suspension for maximum carrying abilities align with. The Porter Maxxi is available as a drop-side and a tipper.

In the UK, the nine Porter models or chassis are available with the 1.3-litre

petrol engine, while six of these models can also be ordered with diesel power. A zero-emissions, electric-powered Porter is now available.

Electric versions of the five models from the Piaggio Porter range, with right-hand drive, are individually made to order in Italy, with a delivery time of six to eight weeks.

The environmentally-friendly, zero-emissions electric Porter range -is powered by lead-gel batteries. Virtually silent in operation, electric Porter vehicles are simple to drive, easy to operate and recharging is straightforward and quick. When driving, selecting “Fast” mode gives the electric Porter range a top speed of 36 mph, while “Economic” mode increases the 80-mile range by 25% up to 100 miles. A fully laden weight of 1,800 kg ensures that the electric range of vehicles is equally as work-capable as its petrol and diesel-powered counterparts.

The zero-emissions Electric Porter is propelled by a high-torque 10.5 kW electric motor. All Piaggio Electric Porter vehicles come with rear-wheel drive but the 4×4 option offered on petrol and diesel models is not available.

Action inspires action. Stay ahead of the curve with sustainability and energy newsletters from edie

Subscribe