Big Four cooperation project for e-motorcycles: First tests in Osaka

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Big Four cooperation project for e-motorcycles: First tests in Osaka

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technology & future

Big Four cooperation project for e-motorcycles: First tests in Osaka

Big Four cooperation project for electric motorcycles
Standard set for replacement batteries

Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha work together on electric motorcycles. A standard for replacement batteries has now been agreed.


Uli Baumann,

Dina Dervisevic

03/26/2021

The four major Japanese motorcycle manufacturers can no longer ignore the electric motorcycle. In order to define common standards for various technical components, the “Big Four” since 2019, whereby it is mainly about the standardization of charging infrastructure and charging systems but also about battery standards. There should be no additional hurdle in the way of the spread of electric motorcycles and the market launch of new e-two-wheelers should be promoted.

International standard planned

Now, the Consortium for Replaceable Batteries for Electric Motorcycles has reached an agreement to standardize replaceable batteries and replacement systems, allowing battery sharing and paving the way for increased adoption of electric motorcycles in Japan. Despite the common battery standard, they will continue to compete with each other, emphasized the motorcycle manufacturers. Together with the Japanese automaker association Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA), the motorcycle manufacturers want to roll out the standard internationally.

Only in early March did one have Consortium of two-wheel manufacturers Honda, Yamaha, KTM and Piaggio started a corresponding initiative. It can be assumed that sooner or later both will work together.

Battery exchange system on campus

The batteries should work across brands and, above all, can all be charged at the same charging stations. The test project for this has been running since autumn 2020 “e-Yan Osaka”, for which the students and employees at Osaka University have the opportunity to use electric motorcycles and the battery exchange stations installed on campus.

Although battery swap stations and replaceable battery technology are likely to play an important role, especially on smaller motorcycles and scooters in metropolitan areas, the collaboration between Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and is accelerating Yamaha most likely also the development of larger models and should also reduce costs.

opinion poll

Which electric concept on two wheels is the right one for you?

Voted 9059 times

If so, then only a powerful electric motorcycle.

I can imagine an electric scooter for commuting and city traffic.

A small, agile electric moped is definitely fun.

None at all.

Conclusion

The cooperation is an important step for the Japanese motorcycle manufacturers, because when it comes to electric motorcycles and electric scooters, they seem to lag behind KTM, BMW and Harley-Davidson. The standard that has now been defined could significantly accelerate the development of electric two-wheelers.

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