Electric motorcycle developments from Japan
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Development towards electrification in Japan’s motorcycle production sector is gaining momentum, with a number of global brands showing serious intention in growing the market and its various segments.
The challenges of transitioning to electric motorcycles are well known – high battery costs, design challenges around the accommodation of large battery packs, and charging infrastructure gaps are all familiar headaches to those in the industry.
Japan’s well-established manufacturers are, however, moving towards electrification in increments, having started with mopeds, commuters and smaller urban models, before scaling up to larger products.
Yamaha Motor President, Motofumi Shitara, earlier this year said, “There’s no doubt in my mind that electrification would become mainstream in the industry’s final goal for achieving carbon neutrality.” The company has released multiple electric moped models in Asia and Europe, with battery-swapping a key feature. It has stated a goal of having electric motorcycles represent 30% of new model line-ups in the next few years.
Honda has also introduced multiple electric moped models for Asian markets, with its battery-swapping technology underpinning its own range and those of Yamaha. Beyond smaller models, they also have a full-size, electric commuter product in production, demonstrating ambitions beyond last-mile mobility. The company has also announced plans for a dedicated electric motorcycle factory in India, and has spoken of aims to significantly increase electric models’ share in its overall sales by 2030.
Kawasaki, which has long been associated with high-performance ICE sports models, introduced two smaller, commuter-focused models in 2023.
Suzuki has showcased various electric concepts, and is working on diversification of its low-carbon portfolio as it explores where electric two-wheeled mobility will gain traction.
