The number of motorcycle manufacturers looking to go electric is steadily rising. Recent announcements from most major motorcycle manufacturers say that they are at least working on battery technology, if not complete electric or hybrid-powered two-wheelers.
Kawasaki is no exception and has recently made bold statements about offering electric and hybrid motorcycles. In fact, Kawasaki Motors, Ltd. President Mr. Hiroshi Ito says that Team Green will release 10 new electric and/or hybrid motorcycles by 2025. In addition, he said that the entire Kawasaki lineup will use electric or hydrogen power by 2035.
Hybrid “reveal”
And apparently, we’re now getting a sneak peek at some of Kawasaki’s hybrid motorcycle technology. Autoby has published photos of the company’s hybrid research bike chassis and the components attached to it.
Producing a hybrid motorcycle is no small feat. There’s much less space on a motorcycle chassis than there is in a car. Packaging the required systems requires that the components be small and efficient. Finding space in a motorcycle for an electric motor, batteries, and an internal combustion engine takes significant engineering prowess.
Kawasaki’s prototype hybrid power motorcycle.
Because there are two powerplants on the bike, both the internal combustion engine and the battery with its motor can be smaller. But still, packaging the two on a single motorcycle requires engineers to find the correct compromise between size and performance.
Mechanical details
Although Kawasaki has now shown its first hybrid motorcycle, they have not been very open about the bike’s details. But from the pictures released, we can see that the machine sports a small parallel-twin internal combustion engine. So, it potentially could come from either the Ninja 250 or Ninja 400. The bike’s battery pack is under the seat. And, the machine’s electric motor is above the gearbox.
Kawasaki’s hybrid motorcycle prototype.
Topspeedsays that the new Kawasaki hybrid would run on gasoline outside of urban areas. During that time, the engine would also top off the battery. Once in cities or towns with emission restrictions, the bike could be run on electricity for emission-free transport. And they say that both systems can be used together for extra performance beyond either one’s individual capability.
One thing is for sure. The future of electrically powered motorcycles is here and is here to stay.
All photo credit:Autoby
