As electric engines are slated to replace the gas-powered engines in the next five years (at least for four-wheeled vehicles), the motorcycle industry still isn’t sure when it will comply with the increasingly strict emission standards. Still, there are motorcycle manufacturers that take this more seriously, such as KTM, Triumph, and Kymco, who are poised to put their electric motorcycle ideas in reality next year!
When it comes to Kawasaki, the same cannot be said. Kawasaki didn’t invest too much of its resources into pushing the electric motor technology. After its press conference, it has shown confidence in pushing into new, renewable energy territory.
Kawasaki pointed out several of its renewable energy development plans. First of all, it won’t just work on electric motors. The company is looking into hybrid fuel technology and hydrogen fuel cells. Basically, it looks to develop bikes with smaller gas-powered engines coupled with a self-charging electric motor.
The only “green” bike from Kawasaki in physical form we’ve seen is the “Endeavour”. It will be equivalent to a 400cc sportbike that will most likely be the first dive into the EV market for Kawasaki. Yes, the electric sportbike segment is relatively niche, but this would give Kawasaki a tremendous competitive advantage over Yamaha and Honda.
Kawasaki also says it will have resources to speed up the development of its renewable energy bikes. That’s its solution to increasingly confusing and unprecise emission standards that fail to include motorcycles in their plans.
Still, Kawasaki has other divisions than motorcycles, such as emergency vehicles and agriculture vehicles. Its thought process is also oriented to these vehicle types.
Well, we are excited to hear more plans for the green future from one of our favorite motorcycle manufacturers. Let’s see how its plans will work out!
For more novelties in the motorcycle world, check out our industry news section!
Source: Visor Down
