Bikesrepublic

ICE

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)

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.

Yamaha has filed two different patents describing a new TMax maxi-scooter that features a new hybrid drive system.

The patent revealed two TMax, one using a hybrid drive direct to the crank while the other into the bike’s transmission.

While no further details are disclosed, the bike features in the drawing are similar to the current generation of the TMax.

Nevertheless, the latest patents provide a clear indication that the hybrid technology is still at an early stage of development.

The first patents directly link the internal combustion engine (ICE) and the electric motor.

The direct link between the electric motor and the ICE allows the bike’s conventional transmission system to be utilised and ensure the bike development is as cost-effective as possible.

Meanwhile, the second patent depicts the hybrid drive system is mounted into the bike’s swing-arm and transmission system.

The second solution allows Yamaha to play match-making by using the same electric motor with several different engines.

However, the system is a bit more delicate as it forces Yamaha to adapt the electric motor to various engine setups accurately.

More importantly, should we expect a hybrid version of the TMax 560 in the future? Yes and no. Presumably, the TMax is likely being used only to develop the new hybrid drive system.

Moreover, the TMax is the most likely to allow the hybrid system to be easily squeezed beneath the seat together with the batteries.

Archive

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on YouTube