Cool Electric Yamahas Will Debut at Tokyo Motor Show

John Burns
by John Burns

Against the advice of various Facebook experts who contend that batteries are worse for the planet than fossil fuel and have the memes to prove it, many advanced vehicle manufacturers are rushing headlong into an electric future, including Yamaha. The company says it will have 18 models — including six world premiere models and two Japan premiere models — on display, including motorcycles, Leaning Multi-Wheelers (LMW), electric commuter vehicles, electrically power-assisted bicycles and an unmanned autonomous vehicle solution. None of these appear headed to the US market anytime soon, but here’s a quick preview of a few interesting ones anyway.

The E01 urban commuter scooter’s power output is comparable to a 125cc, says Yamaha, and it’s fast-charge compatible with plenty of range. Combining Yamaha’s scooter and EV technologies, it brings practicality for everyday use as well as a quality ride exceeding that of conventional scooters. “In addition to excellent comfort, it features a design that expressively highlights a new generation of sporty styling.”

She's running Bridgestone slicks for taking up the urban cudgels.

Yamaha Europe Press Release:

Yamaha Motor will participate in the 46th Tokyo Motor Show 2019 (Organizer: Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc.) which will be held at the Tokyo Big Sight from Thursday, 24th October to Monday, 4th November. Located in the venue’s West Hall 2, the theme of the Yamaha Motor booth will be “There Is Greater Joy Yet to Come — ART for Human Possibilities.”

A total of 18 models — including six world premiere models and two Japan premiere models — will be on display, including motorcycles, Leaning Multi-Wheelers (LMW), electric commuter vehicles, electrically power-assisted bicycles and an unmanned autonomous vehicle solution.

The booth will also introduce the company’s technological developments and more aimed toward 2030 under our Long-Term Vision of “ART for Human Possibilities.”

Main Display Models

  • World Premiere Models – models making their world debut at the Tokyo Motor Show

Land Link Concept (Special exhibit)

For the cat who's outgrown his Roomba.

The Land Link Concept is an autonomous vehicle solution that moves freely across vast outdoor terrain by sensing its surroundings. The development concept was “Inter-Responsive Link.” AI-based image recognition allows it to decide its route independently and automatically avoid obstacles detected in the vehicle’s path. Each of the four wheels can be steered and driven independently, giving the model the ability to move in every direction. With its high mobility potential, it has the dexterity to work on tasks alongside us as a reliable partner.

E02

This E02 next-generation electric commuter bike (power output comparable to a 50cc scooter engine) was designed to be a great choice for personal mobility in cities. It features a compact, lightweight and easy-to-handle vehicle body and comes with an easily removable battery. With a focus on providing the smooth ride EVs are known for, it offers new value for electric mobility by adding even more fun and giving it a more familiar feel. The exterior design also visually accentuates the battery and electric motor comprising the powertrain, hinting at the light and agile ride it provides.

YPJ-YZ

The YPJ-YZ e-Bike was designed with the looks of a race machine riding out on the track. Its mass-centralized chassis is suggestive of the engineering approach with our YZ Series of competition motocross models (locating chassis weight near the center for increased handling performance), with the down tube split in two to enclose the battery unit in a unique layout. The YPJ-YZ provides stable cornering performance and light handling even on rough terrain and the simple, lightweight frame was designed to show its relationship with YZ Series models. This e-Bike proposes a fun, stimulating and extra-ordinary riding experience and a new form of recreation for the future.

*Yamaha Motor will reveal two more world premiere models at the Yamaha Motor press briefing on Wednesday, 23rd October starting at 9:30 a.m. So, stay tuned.

TY-E

This electric trials bike is an advanced prototype and was created as part of Yamaha’s in-house technological R&D program. Its carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) monocoque frame mounts a compact, high-rpm, high-output electric motor that delivers strong low-speed torque and smooth acceleration intended for conquering the obstacles in trials. Ridden by Kenichi Kuroyama in the FIM Trial-E Cup, the TY-E finished 2nd in the series in 2018 and 2019.

TRITOWN

The TRITOWN compact electric vehicle with twin front wheels is ridden standing up and utilizes Yamaha’s Leaning Multi-Wheel (LMW) mechanisms. The simple construction has the rider use their own sense of balance to control the vehicle, making short-range mobility a fun and exciting experience. The light, compact body and intuitive controls make it usable for a wide range of people. It is currently being field-tested at leisure facilities, parks and the like in Japan to ascertain its feasibility as a product, ability to attract customers, its competitiveness in the micromobility field, and more.

E-Vino

Based on the popular retro-pop-styled Vino 50cc scooter, this electric commuter model offers a smooth ride that only an EV can provide. Its main features include the smooth feeling of acceleration, plenty of usable torque at very low speeds and an easily removable battery. It also has two running modes to suit riding conditions as well as a boost function to provide extra power for climbing up hills.

*Special colors for the Tokyo Motor Show

YPJ-XC

This eMTB (electrically power-assisted mountain bike) uses Yamaha’s top-end PW-X drive unit and has a ride reflecting our DNA garnered in the e-Bike industry. The potent but controllable power-assist makes it a partner that can take you anywhere in the great outdoors to make weekend rides something special.

YNF-01

The YNF-01 low-speed mobility concept model is designed and engineered with off-road capability and styling aimed at inspiring a spirit of adventure in the user. The off-road-inspired design is complemented by the large tires and 4-wheel independent suspension that stimulate the user’s desire to “go everywhere and do everything.” It also won the Red Dot Award: Design Concept 2019 award.

JWX-1 PLUS

This wheelchair electric drive unit makes it possible for users to convert the present manual wheelchair they are used to into an electric wheelchair simply by replacing the main wheels with the JWX-1 PLUS+. This adds the comfort of electric power to the ease of a manual wheelchair, greatly expanding a user’s range of mobility. It utilizes Yamaha’s proprietary JW Smart Core control system to control speed, rate of acceleration/deceleration, etc.

*Will be displayed as installed on a JW Swing wheelchair frame.

John Burns
John Burns

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