Electric motorcycle from Kawasaki closer to reality
Kawasaki aims to achieve a fully-electrified portfolio by 2035, which will include battery electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles.
While most major auto brands have started transitioning towards electrified powertrains, Kawasaki is an automaker that still relies on its pure internal combustion engines (ICE)-powered models. That said, the company has started putting together its resources for future battery-powered models.
Recently, the Japanese superbike brand unveiled a prototype of its first fully electric motorcycle at Intermot 2022 in Cologne, Germany. The prototype was previously displayed, along with a hybrid model, at the Suzuka eight-hour endurance race in Japan in August this year.
The new EV prototype is part of Kawasaki’s plan for electrification of models involving the introduction of ten hybrid or fully electric models by 2025. A production-spec model of the recently unveiled prototype is likely to be the company’s first EV, slated to hit the markets in Europe by next year.
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Kawasaki EV prototype
Design
As evident from the images, the EV prototype takes inspiration from Kawasaki’s ‘Z’ range of naked streetfighters as far as design is concerned. In fact, it looks like a miniature version of the Z400, with many similar styling elements. For instance, the prototype flaunts a sharp, angular headlight upfront with a green tint, a sculpted faux fuel tank, and a blacked-out visor.
Other visual highlights include sharp body panels, split-style seats, 17-inch Y-shaped alloys wheels, a raised tail section, and a sleek triangular LED taillight. The aggressive styling is complemented by aggressive ergonomics with a fairly committed riding stance, thanks to a low-set handlebar and rear-set footpegs.
Hardware and powertrain details
Images reveal that the prototype electric bike is based on a tubular trellis frame, which is suspended on conventional telescopic forks at the front and a mono-shock at the rear. Braking duties will be handled by petal-shaped disc brakes on both ends, which will be accompanied by a dual-channel ABS.
Kawasaki 'Z' series inspired design
The motorcycle features an electric motor mounted at the centre with a chain drive system passing the power to the rear wheel. The battery pack is placed in the underbelly encased by the frame from all sides. The faux fuel tank lid should serve as a charging port for the battery.
Since it is still in the prototype stage, Kawasaki has decided against revealing too much information about the bike. Therefore, details such as motor and battery specs, range on offer, and charging time have been kept under wraps. However, some previously leaked documents suggest that the motor will be good enough to generate 14.8 hp, making it equivalent to a 125cc ICE-powered motorcycle.
This would make the electric bike suitable for novice riders holding an A1 licence in the European region. An official announcement regarding the bike’s international debut is expected to be made in the coming few months.
(Images courtesy: Kawasaki)
Edited by Swetha Kannan