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Electric motorcycle is on the rise particularly due to the world’s effort towards sustainability. 

Kymco Chairman, Allen Ko also believed that the future of two wheels lies with electric vehicles (EV). The company introduction of the RevoNEX and SuperNEX concept back in 2018 and 2019 showcased the company’s desire to venture into electric mobility. 

However, Allan noted that lack of infrastructure could hinder automaker plans to promote EV.

“The kind of technology we are talking about these days is all about infrastructure. So, you want to have the hydrogen-powered engine, but where is the station? You need people to build it.

“If you don’t have a very established and recognised trend, then people don’t want to invest. No one single company can do those things, it requires everybody’s effort to make it work,” Allan told MCN.

He also added that the transition from internal combustion engine (ICE) will take sometime. 

“I think the transition from internal combustion engines to electric is going to take a while. Not because of the tech, not because of the cost, but mainly because of the infrastructure.

“So, even people who want to buy an electric motorcycle, they don’t find the places to charge, or to swap. So, I think it really depends on that. But the key is that these days – especially in the younger generations – is they prefer EV,” he added.

Nonetheless, Allan is adamant that EV is coming and will stay for good.

“I think there’s a long-term change and there’s no turning back. EV is coming and at a certain point – especially when the government set a deadline for the internal combustion engine vehicles – that will be the end of them. It’s going to come.” 

(source: MCN)

Honda recently revealed its Honda Racing Corporation plans for the upcoming 2023 season, including motorcycle and automotive racing series.

  • Honda actively developing electric motorcycles for racing.
  • Honda announced new motorsport plans for 2023. 

Honda also announced its motor racing lineup for 2023, including MotoGP, WorldSBK and WorldSSP. 

However, the announcement also revealed that the Japanese marquee is developing electric motorcycles for racing. 

According to Honda director and senior managing executive officer Shinji Aoyama, the firm is pursuing a new mission in the motorsport arena. 

“In the meantime, Honda has another critical mission to pursue in the area of motorsports. 

“It is the realization of carbon neutrality. Honda has already been conducting research and development of technologies for carbon neutrality while proactively leveraging the field of motorsports. 

“From now onward, we will further enhance our initiatives to put such technologies into practical use in our racing activities. 

“Moreover, starting with motorcycles, we will explore possibilities of introducing electrified vehicles in actual races where we compete,” he explained.

Shinji’s speech certainly builds excitement around Honda’s electric motorcycle project. Furthermore, an electric racing motorcycle certainly means developing a powerful electric motor which could be applied to the firm’s future production of electric two-wheelers. 

That said, we’re looking forward to Honda’s maiden electric race bike. 

Honda was among the busiest at EICMA last month after introducing a series of new bikes for 2023, including the all-new XL750 Transalp.

  • Honda EM1 e: is an electric scooter based on the exisitng U-Go scooter in China.
  • Features Honda’s swappable battery unit. 

However, the Japanese firm also unveils its first European-market electric scooter, in the form of the EM1 e:. (yes, the colon after the “e” is part of the name). 

The EM1 e: is an interesting electric scooter mainly because it could be inexpensive as it is based on an existing U-Go scooter manufactured in China by Wuyang-Honda.

While both of scooter is indistinguishable from the outside, there are a few technical differences. Firstly, the EM1 e: is equipped with Honda’s Mobile Power Pack e: swappable battery. 

Although the EM1 e: and U-Go battery shares similar capacity, both features different battery design. Also, the EM1 e: has a range of just 40 kilometres as opposed to the U-Go’s 65 kilometres.

Although their differences in range, the electric motor on the EM1 e: looks identical to the U-Go’s. That said, the hub-mounted unit on the U-Go is rated at 1.6hp. While the figure is not a lot, the scooter can still reach a max speed of 50km/h. 

However, considering the U-Go is available for just CNY7,300 (RM4.5k) in China, the EM1 e: is expected to be priced at around the same, making it one of the most affordable electric scooters in Europe.

The EM1 e: is due to roll out in mid-2023. 

The University of Michigan’s SPARK Electric Racing Team is ready to take on the Isle of Man TT (IOMTT) challenge with an electric race bike.

  • SPARK Electric Racing Team to race at the 2024 IOMTT with an electric race bike.
  • The goal is to create a bike that can hit 300km/h and makes 225hp.  

The engineering students from the University of Michigan have been experimenting with their electric bike build since 2013. 

They even ended 2022 on a high, taking home second and third place in AHRMA’s Formula Lightning race in New Jersey thanks to an electric race bike called the Atlas.

However, their biggest aim is to compete at the 2024 IOMTT.

 Despite not having the most considerable resources like a full-time race outfit, SPARK is adamant that their next electric bike project has what it takes to compete at the world’s greatest road race.

Meanwhile, the Atlas was a success at the Formula Lightning Race. The bike features a custom trellis frame and can do 0-100km/h in less than three seconds. SPARK’s claimed that the race bike makes 125hp and 119Nm and can hit a max speed of 257km/h.

It also features other top-of-the-line components, including Brembo, Ohlins and Galfer. 

However, for the 2024 IOMTT, SPARK is building something even more powerful called the FBS, which stands for “Future Racing Bike of SPARK”.

The goal is to build an electric race bike that makes 225hp 200Nm and can hit a max speed of 300km/h. The target weight is less than 200kg, and can do 0-100 in under three seconds. 

Chinese electric motorcycle manufacturer, Davinci is ready to launch its first electric motorcycle in Europe. 

  • The Davinci DC100 is China’s most powerful electric motorcycle.
  • The DC100 has a maximum torque output of 850Nm.

Davinci is set to bring the DC100 electric motorcycle in Europe, a almost two years after introducing the motorcycle in China. 

The DC100 certainly has the look of a proper electric sportsbike with a bodywork that will stand out among the other bikes in Europe.

The motorcycle features some nifty electronics, including an incline assist that helps the rider to stay in control of the bike at low speed while moving uphill and downhill. 

 

In addition, the DC100 is also equipped with reverse assist making it a friendly motorcycle for those who would struggle with the bike’s weight.

Here comes the most intriguing part, the DC100 does not have a dashboard instead you need to download the Davinci app and placed your phone on the dedicated phone holder which will be use an interactive dash. 

Power wise, the DC100 makes 135hp and a whopping 850Nm. It can go up to 357km or range boosted by the bike’s regenerative braking system which Davinci claimed to be similar to the KERS system used by F1 in the final years of the naturally aspirated V8s. 

Unfortunately, the bike has no ABS but it does feature Combine Braking System (CBS) and traction control. 

That said, the Davinci DC100 is not cheap as it will cost EUR26,000 with delivery set to happen between 2nd and 3rd quarter of 2023. 

Indonesia is a country of two-wheelers with more than 130 million registered motorcycle owners.

  • There are 35 electric motorcycle companies in Indonesia thus far.
  • Indonesia currently has more than 130 million registered motorcycle owners. 

The growing number of motorcycles in the country has prompted the Indonesian government to focus on the two-wheeled sector as the pivotal starting point for reducing the country’s emissions.

Indonesian Transport Minister Budy Karya Sumadi showered his support for the initiative during the Federal Group Discussion in Jakarta on Tuesday.

“There are around 133 million users of motorcycles in Indonesia. There are now 5 million requests a year. There were even 10 million requests before the pandemic.

“So, the market is huge, and this can be a game changer that can accelerate this transition,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Presidential Special Staff Diaz Hendropriyono hopes that due to the large number of electric motorcycle companies in the country, Indonesia could reach the target of 2 million electric bikes by 2025.

“There are 35 electric motorcycle companies compared to three car companies.

“The price is also more competitive. 

“This means that we can encourage the adoption of electric motorbikes to meet the President’s target of 2 million electric motorbikes by 2025,” he said.

Kawasaki recently showcased a couple of their electric motorcycle prototype during Suzuka 8 Hours.

  • Kawasaki’s EV prototype makes an appearance at Intermot.
  • The electric and hybrid prototype will form the basis of Kawasaki’s upcoming EVs. 

That was the first time we laid our eyes on Kawasaki’s electric and hybrid project, with both bearing Team Green’s current two-wheel range.

That said, since both motorcycles were prototypes, no further details were revealed to the public at the time. 

However, Kawasaki took the opportunity to allow the public to take a closer look at their prototypes at the Intermot motorcycle show in Cologne, Germany.

While Kawasaki remained tight-lipped on its upcoming project, Kawasaki Motors Europe managing director, Masaya Tsurono, revealed that the prototype “will form the basis of an actual future production machine.”

 Despite the push for electrification, Tsurono said that Kawasaki would continue developing cleaner internal combustion motorcycles as well as further research on e-fuel and biofuel.

Kawasaki has signed an agreement with the biggest carmaker, Toyota, to work on the development of hydrogen engines for motorcycles.

  • Kawasaki and Toyota penned a deal to develop hydrogen engines.
  • Toyota recently launched the Toyota Mirai, the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell car. 

While Kawasaki is known to be active in developing sustainable alternatives to the ICE, the new alliance with Toyota just took the effort a step further.

Despite already being in advanced stages in terms of hydrogen technology, Kawasaki wants the new deal with Toyota to help speed up the process.

Furthermore, Toyota recently launched the Toyota Mirai, the world’s first commercially available hydrogen fuel cell car, for which more than 2,600 examples have already been sold globally.

 According to reports, the two parties agreed on the deal earlier this month, with Toyota President Akio Toyoda driving a hydrogen-powered Kawasaki ATV at the Twin Ring Motegi. 

Team Green already showcased its first electric and hybrid motorcycle recently at Suzuka 8 Hours. That said, the official unveiling will happen soon.

Electric motorcycle manufacturer, Zero Motorcycles, has pulled the wraps off its first adventure motorcycle, the Zero DSR/X.

  • The Zero DSR/X is a long-range electric adventure motorcycle.
  • The DSR/X is capable of hitting 290km city range and 137km highway range. 

Coming in new for 2023, the Zero DSR/X features industry-leading Z-Force battery unit,  powerful ZF engine and the Cypher III+ operating system that promises to deliver the best riding experience for an electric adventure motorcycle. 

According to Zero Motorcycles, the introduction of the DSR/X is to fulfil the customers request of making an electric adventure bike.

“We have invested over 100,000 hours of design to make a model that lived up to our customers’ expectations, while delivering an incredible driving experience, a true mission from Zero Motorcycles,” said Abe Askenazi, Chief Technology Officer, Zero Motorcycles.

Despite its American origin, the DSR/X is injected with European motorcycle DNA.

“The DSR/X is a motorcycle that has European motorcycle culture in its DNA. 

“A dual sport motorcycle that meets the needs of riders in the most important motorcycle segment in Europe,”  said Umberto Uccelli, Managing Director, Zero Motorrycles Europe. 

Thanks to a revamped Z-Force 75-10X engine the DSR/X makes a 100hp and a whopping 225Nm. In addition, Z-Force 17.3 kWh battery offers a city range of 290km and a highway range of 137km.

Meanwhile, DSR/X is built around a completely new perimeter trellis frame that allows for a greater ground clearance, 200mm to be exact. Also, the frame is suspended by an hand-adjustable front fork.

Zero Motorcycles also equipped the DSR/X with new Gates carbon belt drive, specially designed to withstand the massive torque. 

In addition, the Zero DSR/X is also the first electric motorcycle to feature state-of-the-art Bosch Motorcycle Stability Control (BMSC) that allows for better stability during cornering and off-road condition. 

While in off-road mode, users can disengage the ABS function and the BMSC will autonomously managed the rear grip. 

The electronic package also includes Bosch Linked Braking and Bosch Vehicle hold. 

Other notable features include:

  • park mode – low-speed reversing function 
  • level 1 and 2 chargers – requires charging time of 2.5h
  • compatible with Zero Motorcycles app
  • Cellular Connectivity Module (CCM)
  • 28L ‘faux’ tank storage

The Zero DSR/X comes in two colour option, Sage Green and Pearl White and is available at a price of EUR27,220 (RM123k). 

Honda has unveiled its plans for electrification including the introduction of 10 new electric motorcycles by 2025.

  • Honda to introduced 10 new electric motorcycles by 2025.
  • New electric models include Fun EV, a large capacity electric motorcycles. 
Honda Motorcycle: Carbon Neutrality through Electrification

The announcement also include the Japanese firm’s effort to meet carbon neutrality by 2050.

“Honda will accelerate the electrification of motorcycles as the primary focus of environmental strategies for motorcycle business,” said Honda in a statement. 

Honda Motorcycle: Carbon Neutrality through Electrification

That said, Honda will continue the development of internal combustion motorcycle but it wants to decrease the carbon dioxide output of its internal combustion motorcycle engines. 

Also, Honda wants to develop motorcycles that is compatible with carbon neutral fuels such as gasoline-ethanol. 

Honda Motorcycle: Carbon Neutrality through Electrification

Honda has also set 2025 as the date to roll out 10 new electric motorcycles which include models for commuting and fun models. Looking at the photos shared, we are probably looking at a bigger capacity electric motorcycle instead of the usual 125cc-equivalent electric bikes. 

Specifically, Honda wants to launch  three large fun EV models, including one EV for kids by 2024-2025 for Japan, USA and Europe. 

Honda Motorcycle: Carbon Neutrality through Electrification

In addition, Honda will also launch two commuter electrics in Asia, Europe and Japan and five electric bicycle and electric moped by 2024. 

There are two types of batteries set to be utilised, including an all-solid-state battery and a swappable battery.

Honda Motorcycle: Carbon Neutrality through Electrification

Honda is also working to expand the value of its electric motorcycles by working with its software subsidiary, Drivemode.

“Honda will offer user experience (UX) features that continuously enrich the quality of riding through connectivity, such as offering optimal route options that take into consideration remaining range, charging spot notification, safe riding coaching and after­sales service support.”

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) has officially showcased the Japanese motorcycle company first electric motorcycle, the E01.

  • It features a 4.9kWh lithium-ion battery and electric motor setup with 10.8HP and 30.2NM.
  • Yamaha claims a maximum range of at least 100KM and ability to hit speeds of 100KM/H.

The electric two-wheeler made its global appearance in January 2022 and was confirmed to make its way to Malaysia after the country was among the few selected to test out the motorcycle.

That said, Yamaha has already tested the E01 in Europe and Japan.

Nevertheless, we were given the opportunity to take a closer look at the E01 at the recently concluded Yamaha GenBlue Carnival, in Pantai Teluk Batik, Perak.

Notably, the Yamaha E01 sports proportions and dimensions similar to that of the Yamaha NMax scooter. But instead of a 155cc VVA-equipped single-cylinder and CVT box setup, the E01 features a that, according to Yamaha, is capable of generating 8.1kW (10.8HP) @ 5,000RPM and 30.2NM @ 1,950RPM.

Furthermore, the Yamaha E01 also offers a decent level of daily practicality thanks to the presence of a sizeable 23-litre under-seat storage bin.

Critically, as an urban scooter, the Yamaha E01 promises a maximum travel range of up to 100KM at least plus whilst also reaching speeds of 105km/h too. 

As for charging, there are three options available:

  • Conventional charger (home) – 6 hours to full
  • Fast charger (distributor) – 1 hour to 80 percent
  • Portable charger – 13 hours to full

Pricing and availability of the Yamaha E01 is yet to be announce but it is understood that the new electric motorcycle will be priced similar to Yamaha’s XMax 250 scooter.

A Belgian designer is working on an electric motor aimed at converting combustion engine to electric for mopeds.

  • E-Core is a swappable electric motor for mopeds.
  • features a small 3-5 horsepower equivalent to a 50cc four-strokes mopeds.

As the world is shifting towards electric, most small capacity electric two-wheelers offers the same power equivalent to a 125cc motorcycles.

That said, it is likely that the demand for small capacity electric motorcycle – with 15 to 20 horsepower – will increase significantly in years to come. Moreover, with oil prices showing an upward trend, switching to electric is an option.

However, Belgian designer, Benjamin Surain, foresee a feature of not just low-powered electric motorcycles, but also converting the existing combustion engine mopeds into electric. 

According to reports, the electric motor, dubbed E-Core, is an exchangeable electric motor that could be swap with an old combustion engine. 

The E-Core exchangeable motor is aimed at mopeds, which are popular globally.

Interestingly, the electric motor allow existing combustion engine to be ‘reincarnated’ as electric instead of discarding the entirety of the old engine which could damaged the environment hence defeating the purpose of sustainability. 

Also, this means that people would not be forced into getting a new electric two-wheeler when they can just upgrade their existing petrol-powered mopeds which is potentially more cost-effective.

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