The Piaggio Ape has been a fixture of European and Asian streets since 1948 — a three-wheeled workhorse built for narrow alleys, crowded markets, and last-mile delivery. As cities tighten emissions restrictions on older two-stroke and small-displacement engines, EV conversion is keeping these iconic vehicles on the road. Here is how to choose the right electric kit for your Ape.
Which Ape Models Can Be Converted?
CMVTE offers conversion kits for three main Ape variants:
- Ape 50 — the lightest model (≈350kg unladen). A 3kW PMSM motor with a 5kWh LFP battery delivers 40-60 km range. Ideal for low-speed urban delivery and community service vehicles.
- Ape TM — the medium-duty platform (≈500kg). A 5-7.5kW motor with 7-10kWh battery gives 60-80 km range. Best suited for daily urban logistics.
- Ape Classic / Calessino — the retro-styled version popular in tourism. A 5kW system preserves the quiet, emissions-free ride while keeping the classic appearance that tourists love.
All Ape models use a rear-wheel-drive layout with a simple mechanical structure, making conversion more straightforward than a modern passenger car. The engine bay in the rear provides space for the motor and controller, while the under-seat area and cargo bed floor accommodate battery packs.
CMVTE Recommended Kit Specifications
| Component | Ape 50 Kit | Ape TM / Classic Kit |
| Motor | 3kW PMSM air-cooled | 5-7.5kW PMSM air-cooled |
| Controller | CANbus FOC, regen braking | CANbus FOC, regen braking |
| Battery | 48V 105Ah LFP (5kWh) | 72V 105-140Ah LFP (7-10kWh) |
| BMS | Active balancing, IP67 | Active balancing, IP67 |
| Charger | 1.5kW AC onboard | 2kW AC onboard |
| Wiring harness | Pre-labelled, plug-and-play | Pre-labelled, plug-and-play |
All CMVTE Ape kits retain the original gearbox, reducing conversion cost and installation time. The motor bolts to the existing transmission bellhousing via a CMVTE adapter plate. The original gear selector, clutch, and drivetrain remain functional — the driving experience stays familiar, just silent and emissions-free.
Why CMVTE?
Most Ape conversion options on the market are regional — a UK supplier for UK-registered Apes, an Italian workshop for local fleets. They source components from different manufacturers and add integrator margins. Support stops at the border. CMVTE manufactures motor, controller, and battery in our Foshan factory and ships complete kits to 130+ countries. Every component is tested together before shipment. Remote video support is provided during installation. EU E-mark certification is available where required.
Conversion Process Overview
- Remove the original engine, exhaust, fuel tank, and carburettor. The Ape's simple single-cylinder layout makes this a 2-3 hour job.
- Mount the CMVTE electric motor to the original gearbox using the adapter plate. Retain the clutch cable and shift linkage.
- Install the battery pack in the under-seat area and beneath the cargo bed. CMVTE's pack dimensions are designed to fit the Ape's frame without cutting or welding.
- Route the wiring harness — marked for each connection point — and secure the controller in a weather-protected location.
- Install the DC-DC converter for 12V accessories and a vacuum pump if brake assist is required.
- Test drive, configure regen braking levels, and complete local registration.
Battery & Range
The 48V 5kWh pack fits the Ape 50's under-seat cavity and weighs 45 kg. The 72V 7kWh and 10kWh packs occupy the same cavity plus space beneath the cargo bed floor. All packs use prismatic LFP cells with active BMS and IP67 enclosures. Expected range depends on driving cycle — a flat urban route with stop-start traffic delivers the best efficiency due to regen braking recovery. Continuous hill climbs reduce range by 20-30%. For most operators, a 7kWh pack covers a full day's shift on a single charge.
Performance & Cost
A converted Ape 50 reaches 30-40 km/h with 40-60 km range. An Ape TM with a 7.5kW motor handles hills and full cargo while maintaining 50-60 km range. Regen braking recovers energy and reduces brake wear.
Total kit cost: $2,500-$5,000 depending on motor power and battery capacity. Payback from fuel and maintenance savings is typically 1-2 years. Charging uses a standard household outlet — full charge in 4-6 hours.
Maintenance After Conversion
An electric Ape eliminates oil changes, spark plugs, exhaust repairs, and fuel system servicing. The PMSM motor has a single moving part with sealed bearings rated for 10,000+ hours. The LFP battery delivers 3,000-5,000 cycles. Routine maintenance is limited to inspecting HV cables and cleaning the controller heat sink. Annual costs drop from roughly $500-$800 for a petrol Ape to under $100 for the electric version.
CMVTE Advantage
CMVTE has been manufacturing electric drive systems since 1995 and has shipped Ape kits to customers in Italy, Spain, France, Greece, India, and Southeast Asia. Every kit includes the motor, controller, battery, BMS, charger, wiring harness, adapter plate, and installation documentation. Dr. Kevin Wang's engineering team provides remote support throughout your build.
Tell us your Ape model and country — we will recommend the right kit and shipping option
