There are three different versions of the Multipla available which are designed to reduce the polluton from cars.
Multipla Bipower
This version uses both CNG (compressed natural gas) and Gasoline/Petrol. Three CNG tanks are housed beneath the floor and can hold a maximum of 164 litres of fuel, enough for a 500km range. The engine is the normal 1581cc 16V unit modified to run on both fuels, either of which can be selected by the driver using a switch on the dashboard. The engine produces 103bhp with gasoline and 68bhp with CNG giving top speeds of 168km/h and 157km/h respectively.
Multipla Blupower
This version runs solely on CNG. Four tanks are located below the floor, holding a total of 216 litres of fuel. The engine remains the 1581cc 16V unit, but is optmised for CNG operation, giving a slightly improved performance over the Bipower with CNG. The top speed is 160km/h and the maximum range is 700km.
Multipla Hybrid
This model uses a 1581cc 16V gasoline engine
(103bhp) in parallel with an asynchronous three-phase AC motor (30kW).
A total of fifteen 14.4V nickel-metal hydride batteries are fitted (positioned
below the floor), weighing 280kg. The drive is combined at the transmission,
which is a Selespeed style robotised manual unit.
Three driving modes are available:
'Electric'
which uses only the electric motor and
second gear (range 70km, max speed 80km/h);
'Electric with recharging'
when the vehicle is driven by the electric
motor only and the gasoline unit charges the batteries. The performance
is the same as in 'Electric' mode, but the range is increased;
'Hybrid'
The drive is provided by both electric
motor and gasoline engine with a computer controlling the changeover. The
electric motor is used for standing starts, when its instant torque is
beneficial, and as the speed increases the gasoline engine gradually takes over.
