Kawasaki’s First Electric and Hybrid Motorcycles on Display as Kawasaki Reveals Carbon Neutrality Plans at EICMA
Nov. 09, 2022
Tokyo, November 9, 2022 —The first two battery electric vehicles ("BEV motorcycle" below) and a hybrid motorcycle in prototype form ("HEV motorcycle" below) produced by Kawasaki Motors, Ltd. were on display to the general public for the first time anywhere in the world at the EICMA show1 held on the outskirts of Milan, Italy, from November 10 through 13.
Kawasaki has set out a policy toward achieving carbon neutrality, and has created an icon to represent a strong commitment to it. The aim is to further strengthen the Kawasaki brand by offering environmentally friendly, carbon neutral products and services to meet customer and societal needs, as new challenges are taken on to foster further happiness for all who come in contact with Kawasaki products across the globe.
Plans for Achieving Carbon Neutrality
• | Goal of releasing two BEV models in 2023 |
• | Goal of releasing HEV motorcycles in 2024 |
• | Aim to release hydrogen-fueled motorcycles in the early 2030s.2 |
• | Make efforts to offer a wide range of choices, including BEV motorcycles, HEV motorcycles, hydrogen-fueled engines, e-fuel and bio-fuel, while also working toward developing carbon-neutral internal combustion engines.3 |
Overview of models on display
The following models are on display at EICMA.
■BEV motorcycles (prototypes)
Naked (Z) | Full-fairing (Ninja) |
Kawasaki's first motorcycle-style battery electric vehicles will become actual production machines available to customers in 2023. Two models—a naked model (Z) and a full-fairing model (Ninja)—will be available. Both are compliant with the EU's A1 license4 and are intended for short-distance commuting. Each feature two removable battery packs (approx. 12 kg each) with a maximum capacity up to 3.0 kWh.
■HEV motorcycle (prototype)
This HEV machine is destined to be part of the 2024 range. Its strong hybrid engine5 was developed in-house and offers both good fuel economy and riding performance. From commuting to sport riding to touring, it offers the ability to switch between its internal combustion engine and electric motive power depending on the riding situation.
■Hydrogen engine (exhibit)
This experimental engine was built for research on hydrogen engine development. Based on the engine of the supercharged Ninja H2, it has been converted to direct injection and uses compressed gaseous hydrogen as fuel.
■noslisu (exhibit)
Cargo model | EV model |
*The noslisu models shown in the images are for exhibition only.. Also, the color of the EV model is different from that of the model exhibited at the show.
The noslisu electric three-wheeled vehicle was born from Kawasaki Heavy Industries' “Business Idea Challenge”6, an in-house idea recruiting program. It is scheduled to launch in Japan in the spring of 2023.
■Ninja H2 SX
Kawasaki’s flagship high-performance sport tourer combines top-tier performance from its supercharged engine and all-day comfort for long rides. New for the 2023 model year is an Auto High Beam function that automatically switches between low and high beams, adding even more convenience for riders.
Carbon Neutral Icon
In this carbon neutral era, Kawasaki’s goal is to meet the needs of society through sustainable development, Kawasaki technology, and the “Good Times” Kawasaki is known for. This challenge is given shape in the form of this new Carbon Neutral icon representing Kawasaki’s “Go with Green Power” initiative with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality.
- EICMA is the “Esposizione Internazionale Ciclo Motociclo e Accessori” and is one of the largest motorcycle shows in Europe. (Dates: November 10-13, 2022)
https://www.eicma.it/ - Release timing will depend on hydrogen infrastructure availability and the laws and regulations in various countries.
- e-fuel is synthetic crude oil, a fuel produced from hydrogen that has been derived from renewable energy sources and from carbon dioxide.
- License category for motorcycles with a displacement of 125cc or less and a maximum power output of 11 kW (15 PS) or less.
- A hybrid engine system that allows the bike to run on electric motive power with the gasoline engine turned off.
- Commercializing the noslisu project from the "Business Idea Challenge," an in-house idea recruiting program (Kawasaki Motors, Ltd.)
https://global.kawasaki.com/en/corp/newsroom/news/detail/?f=20200910_6075