electric Archives

Honda Plans To Develop New Electric Scooter For India

Electric is no longer the future; it’s already here, with every manufacturer keeping their hands busy working on the new platform as we speak.

HMSI to work closely with Honda Japan to build a proper electric scooter.
The upcoming electric two-wheeler is expected to be based on the popular Honda Activa.

Due to the rapid growth of the electric motorcycle segment, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) is set to launch its first electric scooter in India soon.

To ensure the progress of the upcoming electric scooter goes smoothly, HMSI will work closely with Honda’s headquarters in Japan to create the essential platforms for the Indian market.

Given the increase in petrol prices and dedicated subsidies for electric vehicles in India, the demand will likely shift towards electric motorcycles. As such, HMSI needs to develop a suitable platform for upcoming electric two-wheelers quickly.

In addition, HMSI has a hill to climb as a host of electric motorcycles are already available in the market, including Ola S1 Pro, TVS i-Qube, Ather 450X and Bajaj Chetak.

However, collaboration with Honda Japan will undoubtedly boost the brand’s establishment in the electric motorcycle sector.

According to the latest report, HMSI plans to debut an electric version of the highly popular Honda Activa; a motorcycle considered the most sought-after compact scooter in India.

The demand for a reliable and well-made electric motorcycle is currently high in India, and the close partnership could also expand HMSI’s reach to the Asian markets.

Royal Enfield To Unveil All-New Electric Motorcycle By 2026

Royal Enfield is among the manufacturers that always stay true to its roots, making a beautiful and reliable motorcycle with the exception of power.

Royal Enfield plans to unveil its first electric motorcycle by 2026.
To feature a new battery pack and electric motor suitable for city riding.

The firm’s newly launched 350 range, including the Meteor 350, Classic 350 and Hunter 350, is a testament to this.

However, as the market started to shift towards electrification, even Royal Enfield couldn’t escape the new changes brought upon by the motorcycle industry.

That said, Royal Enfield reportedly has plans to release its own electric motorcycle range by 2026, as reported by Indian publication, BikeDekho.

While it may take three years before we can see one, Royal Enfield is not in a rush to play the chasing game with the rest of the industry’s players.

In fact, the company wants to ensure that the new electric two-wheeler will continue to carry the brand’s quality and brand experience.

According to reports, the motorcycle will perform like a 250cc powertrain. However, it may not offer a good range for long-distance riding.

Nevertheless, an urban-focused electric motorcycle makes a lot of sense for the firm’s first attempt at electrification.

Kawasaki Electric And Hybrid Prototypes Made Surprise Appearance At Suzuka 8 Hours

Kawasaki decided to surprised the crowd at the recently concluded Suzuka 8 Hours by showcasing a demonstration run of the company’s electric and hybrid prototypes.

Kawasaki unveiled the all-electric and hybrid EV models at Suzuka.
The all-electric is modelled after the firm’s Z range while the hybrid EV takes on Ninja’s design cue.

Team Green first unveiled the hybrid motorcycle project back in November 2020, one year after teasing the public with the electric prototype at EICMA 2019.

However, during the Suzuka 8 Hours weekend, the company decided to demonstrate the near-production version in front of the home crowd.

The fans were allowed to witness the all-electric and hybrid powertrains.

Based on the video below, the Z range styling carries the electric motor while the hybrid EV project bore full fairings modelled after the Ninja series.

鈴鹿8耐の前夜祭を、突然カワサキの電動バイクとハイブリッドモデルが駆け抜けました！　Zとニンジャ？？#鈴鹿8耐 pic.twitter.com/hxVvVkRoke

— webオートバイ (@webautoby) August 6, 2022

Kawasaki showcased the all-electric Z range first and followed by the HEV motorcycle, which looks considerably larger than its electric counterpart thanks to its dual-mill setup.

The HEV model also considerably louder than the all-electric motorcycle.

Unfortunately, Kawasaki did not unveiled the mechanics behind the two projects but looking at the finishing, the Japanese marquee might introduced the two motorcycle soon.

Lightning Motorcycles Developing New Off-Road Focused Plug-In Adventure Bike

American electric motorcycle company Lightning Motorcycles is working on a new plug-in adventure bike to take on Energica’s Experia.

Lightning Dakar is the first electric plug-in off-road capable motorcycle.
Set to go head-to-head with Energica’s Experia tourer.

The company patent filing recently leaked in China and showcased the upcoming off-road focused ADV motorcycle bodywork.

The company’s founder and CEO, Richard Hatfield, submitted the application to the China National Intellectual Property Administration. Why China? This is because Lightning has a factory over there.

Despite the possibility of coming up against the Energica Experia, Lightning’s upcoming machine is more off-road oriented, which immediately distinguishes it from the Experia, which is fitted with 17-inch wheels.

Lightning also included the term Dakar in the filing, which is most likely to describe the bike’s design language.

Lightning made headlines in 2012 after claiming an electric land speed record of 350km/h with the 200hp LS-218 prototype.

The company proceeded to introduce the production version of the LS-218, named the Lightning Strike Sportster, in 2019, which is currently available for orders from USD19,998 (RM89.1k).

Nonetheless, the upcoming ADV boasts entirely different ergonomics thanks to a taller seat height, upright seating position, longer travel front suspension and rear absorbers.

The motorcycle also features wire-spoke wheels in 21-inch front and 18-inch rear compared to Energica’s 17″ road-biased alloy wheels.

The bike is also equipped with a tall, humped fuel tank, conventional ADV front beak, raised front mudguard and tall (but narrow) windscreen.

While there are no precise details on the performance, it is possible it makes the same 120hp as the 2019 Lightning Strike, with an engine and swingarm that appears identical to the sportsbike.

UK Wants To End The Sales Of Petrol Motorcycles By 2035

As the push for a greener future intensifies, the Department for Transport (DFT) wants to take it up a notch by proposing to end the sale of petrol-powered motorcycles and scooters by 2035.

The proposed plan is to end all sales of combustion engine motorcycles by 2035.
Part of the UK effort for a sustainable future.

DFT puts out the fresh proposals at the end of the first year of the Transport Decarbonisation Plan.

According to MCN, the dialogue will run until 21 September this year and will gather opinions on the motion to end the sale of all non-zero emission (L-category) vehicles by 2035.

The L-category vehicles include mopeds, motorcycles, three-wheelers and quads.

However, in the proposal, sales of motorcycles that makes less than 14.8hp will end five years earlier.

Also, Transport Minister Trudy Harrison announced funding to boost the development of zero-emission motorcycles in the UK.

Despite the effort, the Motorcycle Industry Association criticised the plans instead of insisting that learner vehicles are more environmentally efficient than electric cars.

Triumph TE-1 Project Is Complete – 175hp, 220kg

Triumph Motorcycles has revealed more details and features of the TE-1 Project developed in collaboration with Williams Advanced Engineering.

final test results reveal an astonishing 175hp with a 161km range.
the TE-1 is almost on par with Triumph’s Speed Triple 1200 RS.
to remain as a prototype with no clear indication it will go into production.

The British firm has released the final prototype test results, and the all-electric sportsbike reveals a remarkable 175hp with a 161km range.

According to Triumph, the TE-1 recorded range significantly exceeds the real-world capacity of an equivalent electric motorcycle available today.

In addition, the TE-1 makes 130kW (175hp) peak power and can hit 0-100km/h in 3.6 seconds.

This almost puts the TE-1 on par with the firm’s flagship Speed Triple 1200 RS, which makes 177.5hp and 125Nm.

Also, the bike only needs 20 minutes of charging time to achieve 80%, making it the fastest charging time for today’s equivalent electric motorcycles. Triumph also claimed that the TE-1 is 20% lighter (220kg) than any of its competitors.

“We are incredibly proud to be able to share such positive outcomes from the completion of Project Triumph TE‑1, where the prototype demonstrator has exceeded many of our initial targets and expectations,” said Nick Bloor, CEO, Triumph Motorcycles

“Everyone on the team is thrilled with the results we have achieved with our partners, and how the outcomes of the project will feed into the electric future to come from Triumph.”

“WAE are delighted to have been involved in this exciting programme to deliver the TE-1 prototype,” said Dyrr Ardash, Head of Strategic Partnerships, Williams Advanced Engineering.

“Since its conception in 2018, all the partners have worked with collaboration, innovation and passion to bring the boundary breaking prototype to life. It is pleasing to hear positive rider comments which confirms that the dynamics of the bike are aligned with Triumph’s DNA.

“This has been underpinned by the class-leading Battery and Control System that WAE has produced within a lightweight and integrated package.

“This core WAE technology has allowed us to exceed performance and charging targets for the battery which we look forward to seeing in future powertrains.”
he added.

Despite the exciting news, the TE-1 Project is yet ready for production, and it could remain a prototype to inspire a production-ready electric motorcycle in the near future.

India’s Ultraviolette F77 Electric Sports Bike Open For Pre-Order – 33.5HP, 90Nm

India-based Ultraviolette is now accepting pre-orders for the F77 electric sports bike.

The F77 makes 33.5hp and 90Nm.
The bike is 7 kilograms lighter than the Yamaha R25.

Ultraviolette developed the F77 thanks to an investment by TVS Motor Company, the same entity that acquired Norton Motorcycle’s brand in the UK.

Despite running on an electric motor, other areas are relatively conventional.

That said, the F77 features a steel trellis frame with an upside-down front fork and preload-adjustable gas-charged rear shock absorbers.

Braking is done by a 320mm disc with single four-pot radially-mounted ByBre callipers at the front and 230mm disc with single-piston floating calliper at the rear.

The bike also features dual-channel ABS for better braking and traction during the wet condition.

The best bit, though, is the motor; while most electric bike runs on a 125cc-equivalent electric powertrain, the F77 produced 25kW (33.5hp), 2hp less than the 250cc Yamaha R25.

However, thanks to the superiority of electric motors, the F77 puts out a massive 90Nm as compared to the R25 22.6Nm. Despite the big battery, the F77 weighs only 158kg, 7kg less than the R25.

Meanwhile, Ultraviolette takes pride in its new battery technology.

“Our batteries are more than power modules.

“State of the art cooling mechanisms, new-age sensors, multiple mechanical, electrical and thermal fail-safe protocols – make these among the most advanced and robust batteries worldwide.”

The F77 battery is one of the bike’s unique features because the batteries communicate not only with one another but can also communicate with batteries from other F77s.

Additionally, the batteries can be fully charged within five hours with a standard wall charger and to 80% in just three hours. However, the F77 can be fully charged in just 90 minutes with a fast charger.

The battery is also entirely removable and can be charged elsewhere without the bike.

Ducati Officially Presents The 2023 MotoE V21L Race Bike

Ducati has officially presented the all-new 2023 MotoE race bike, the V21L, at an exclusive event in Modena, Italy.

Ducati is the official manufacturer and supplier for MotoE beginning in 2023.
The V21L is Ducati’s first attempt at developing an electric motorcycle.

Overall, the V21L looks pretty much the same as the prototype that Ducati tested earlier this year.

However, the finished product looks refined, with Ducati adding a touch of colour to the electric race bike.

Nevertheless, like every Ducati in its stable, the V21L continue to represent racing DNA with carbon fibre components and exposed components to show off its glorious grain.

Although the V21L is the Italian company’s first attempt at a fully functional electric motorcycle, you can easily recognize that it is, in fact, a Ducati.

In addition, peak power is claimed at 110kW or approximately 150hp along with 140Nm and can reach a top speed of 275km/h.

The bike weighs a massive 225 kilograms, with half of the weight coming from the 18 kWh battery unit connected directly to the swingarm.

According to Ducati, the V21L also meets Dorna’s MotoE requirements of seven laps on a GP track.

Other key components include:

Ohlins NPX 25/30 pressurized fork
Ohlins TTX36 fully adjustable rear shock
Ohlins steering damper
specially-designed Brembo brakes

Also, Ducati claimed that the V21L features a specially-built double circuit liquid cooling system that allows the bike to get recharged without waiting for the battery pack, motor and inverter to cool off.

The race bike can be plugged directly into charge and can reach 80 per cent of full charge in just 45 minutes.

Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki And Suzuki To Remove Up To 20 Models By End Of The Year

Japan’s impending emission regulations will trigger a major overhaul for the country’s Big Four motorcycle brand.

Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki will eliminate 10% from existing models.
the Big Four set to electrify its current line up by 2040 (Honda) and 2050 (Yamaha).

Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki are set to discontinue up to 20 models by the year’s end due to Japan’s updated emission regulation.

Worldwide emission regulations have forced many manufacturers to discontinue some models in recent years, with Yamaha ditching the street-legal R6 and for a track-only R6 Race, while Harley-Davidson had to remove its Evo-powered Sportster from the European market.

The trend is set to occur in Japan as the country’s emission regulations update will spell more models’ demise by the year’s end.

According to reports in Japan, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, and Suzuki will remove 10% out of 190 models currently offered by the country’s Big Four.

Honda will discontinue 10 out of its 80 models, with rumours circulating in the country suggesting that the iconic Gold Wing is also included on the chopping block. Honda recently axed the CB400 Super Four.

Meanwhile, Yamaha is set to retire the FJR1300 tourer, with Suzuki potentially reducing its volume by discontinuing five models, including the GSX-250R.

Despite the immense shake-up, Honda aims to recover by electrifying its lineup by 2040 with Yamaha, which shared a similar mission of zero-emission by 2050.

However, with the Big Four comprising 40% of the world’s two-wheel supply, eliminating 20 models could hugely impact the market. Not to mention, an electric motorcycle isn’t a cheaper option for the mass.

BMW Motorrad Developing An Electric Boxer Motorcycle

BMW made it clear that the future is electric and began its serious electrification project by introducing the CE 04 earlier this year.

latest patent application reveals a new electric powertrain is being built according to the iconic Boxer engine.
the protruding Boxer engine will place both the battery and motor along with cooling system.

BMW chairman Oliver Zipse also claimed that BMW Motorrad will launch a new electric two-wheeler every 18 to 24 months, with the following model scheduled to arrive in 2023.

While the CE 04 and other initial models are labelled as urban mobility vehicles, BMW will eventually join the rank of high-performance electric motorcycles.

BMW Motorrad has already registered multiple trademarks, from DC 01 to DC 09, which could lead to various electric motorcycles coming in the future.

Coincidentally, the latest patent application by the German marquee revealed exciting information; Motorcycle.com reported that BMW is working on an electric motorcycle based on the Boxer elements.

This isn’t the first time BMW revealed such ideas, considering that the Vision DC Roadster concept was a design built based on the heritage of the boxer engine.

Although the Vision DC Roadster concept wasn’t intended to become a production model, but it was certainly a step by BMW to explore an electric motorcycle that could stay true to the brand’s heritage.

According to the new patent application, the battery and its cooling elements will form a similar shape to a Boxer engine.

The elements are fixed heat sinks made of aluminium and covered in cooling fins, mimicking the air-cooled Boxer engine’s cylinders.

Nevertheless, the cylinders will house the inverter, charging mechanism, and internal liquid-cooling system for the battery and motor. At the same time, the protruding elements will allow the battery and motor to be cooled by the airflow when the bike is in motion.

While we are not sure if the patents could lead to a production model, the idea of developing an electric motor to pay homage to the iconic Boxer engine is enough to excite us.

(Source: Motorcycle.com)

Suzuki Finally Joins The Electric Revolution, Patent Reveals

The latest patent drawings have confirmed that Suzuki’s electric project is finally underway.

Patents drawing show a battery-powered prototype Burgman scooter is underway
The upcoming electric scooter is a 125cc-equivalent motorcycle.

While the company’s direction is still unclear, it looks like the Suzuki electrification project has begun, based on the latest patent drawings of an electric scooter.

Based on the drawings, the patent showcased what could be an electric version of the Burgman scooter. However, the scooter shown is not the 400; instead depicts the smaller 125cc version.

Understanding that the Hamamatsu factory has confirmed on leaving every two wheels competition on the planet, the electric project surely sets its focus on practicality instead of performance.

Moreover, one of the reasons behind Suzuki’s withdrawal from MotoGP is to shift the company funds towards the development of electric power; hence it’s not surprising that the latest patents reveal precisely that.

Nevertheless, the patent reveals a conventional battery-operated technology fitted underneath the bike’s traditional steel frame, similar to the Burgman 125.

However, while the petrol-powered model has the engine and transmission built into the swingarm, the electric model uses a more motorcycle-style layout with a chain-drive rear wheel and motor mounted in the frame.

Although Yamaha and Honda opted for removable/swappable batteries, Suzuki, on the other hand, opted for a fixed battery mounted inside a two-piece case that fills the under-seat area.

This means that once the battery is drained to the max, owners can only get it recharged instead of swapping it for a new one.

Nonetheless, the development is still early as Suzuki could improvise the electric scooter in the near future. We expect it could take some time before we can see a complete prototype in the works.

(Source: CycleWorld)

Norton To Build Electric Motorcycle, Announces Project ‘Zero Emission Norton’

TVS-owned Norton Motorcycles is ready to kick-start its electrification program by announcing the ‘Zero Emission Norton’ project.

The Zero Emission Norton will take two and a half years.
Plans to design and manufacture electric motorcycles in the United Kingdom.

Norton is finally on the move two years after the brand was in a critical situation by unveiling the V4SV exotic superbike.

The momentous occasion marks the company’s new direction under TVS Motor Company.

In the latest announcement, Norton has revealed plans to design and manufacture electric motorcycles in the UK.

The new manufacturing plant will be in charge of race performance, lightweight and touring range.

Thanks to the government funding, it will be a joint effort between Norton and Delta Cosworth, which will assist the battery and other critical components to power the motorcycle.

Meanwhile, the University of Warwick – which helps develop the TT Zero Race machine – will take charge of modelling, toolchain development and battery technology.

According to Norton, the Zero Emission project is part of a 10-year product plan and supports UK’s mission to achieve a net-zero automotive future. The aim is to lift the UK is returning to being a global tech leader for motorcycles.

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