Kawasaki e-1
| Manufacturer | Kawasaki motorcycles |
|---|---|
| Parent company | Kawasaki |
| Production | 2023 (to commence) |
| Class | Electric motorcycle |
| Power | 9 kW (12 hp) |
| Transmission | 1-speed, chain drive |
| Tires | F: 100/80R-17 R: 130/70R-17 |
| Wheelbase | 53.9 in (1,370 mm) |
| Dimensions | W: 690–730 mm (27–29 in) |
| Weight | 298–308 lb (135–140 kg) (dry) |
The Kawasaki e-1 is an electric motorcycle produced by Kawasaki, which markets it in two variants: a naked Z e-1 and a Ninja e-1 sport bike with fairing.
History[edit]
Kawasaki debuted its "Endeavor" prototype electric motorcycle at EICMA 2019. The prototype, shown at EICMA as the "EV Project", had a claimed peak and continuous output of 20 and 10 kW (27 and 13 hp), with an estimated range of 100 km (62 mi); it is approximately the same size and weight as the Ninja 650, respectively, with a curb weight of 220 kg (485 lb). The prototype also was equipped with a four-speed gearbox, chain drive, and regenerative braking.[1][2][3] Patent filings indicate the prototype had been under development since 2010.[4]
The two e-1 bikes are the first production electric motorcycles from the company. Kawasaki demonstrated prototype e-1 bikes in August 2022 at the Suzuka 8 Hours race;[5] the official announcement was made at EICMA that November. The two e-1 bikes share a common chassis and traction motor. Styling is identical to the gasoline-engined bikes, the Z400 and Ninja 400.[6] Brakes and wheels are borrowed from the earlier Z300 and Ninja 300.[7]
Design[edit]
Powertrain and battery[edit]
Because the e-1 uses a single-speed reduction gear and the traction motor occupies the same space as the transmission, there is no clutch and gear lever; however, the rear brake is operated by a foot lever, rather than a left-hand lever as typical for scooters.[6] Rated output is 9 kW (12 hp),[8][9] designed to conform with the requirements of the Class A1 driving licence in European markets.[6]
There are two slots for removable batteries, each with a capacity of 1.5 kW-hr.[6] Each lithium-ion battery weighs approximately 26.5 lb (12.0 kg).[8] Kawasaki is a member of the Swappable Battery Consortium for Electric Motorcycles, established with Honda, Suzuki, and Yamaha in April 2019 to standardize battery size and format and facilitate battery swapping.[10] The Consortium established Gachaco, Inc. with ENEOS in April 2022,[11] which launched a battery sharing/swapping service in Japan that fall using the Honda Mobile Power Pack e: (MPP).[12] MPP was introduced in 2017 for the Honda PCX Electric.[13]
References[edit]
- ^ Williams, Don (November 13, 2019). "Kawasaki Electric Motorcycle First Look (8 Fast Facts)". Ultimate Motorcycling. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
- ^ Giacomini, Sabrina (June 18, 2020). "Kawasaki Endeavor Electric Motorcycle Project: Everything We Know". Ride Apart. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
- ^ Chung, Dennis (October 19, 2021). "Kawasaki Releases Details on Electric Motorcycle Concept". Motorcycle. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
- ^ Purvis, Ben (May 1, 2020). "Kawasaki's Decade-Long Electric Bike Project". Cycle World. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
- ^ Purvis, Ben (August 16, 2022). "Kawasaki Electric and Hybrid Prototypes Break Cover". Cycle World. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
- ^ a b c d Purvis, Ben (November 9, 2022). "2023 Kawasaki Electric Motorcycles and 2024 Hybrid". Cycle World. Retrieved 14 August 2023.
- ^ Chung, Dennis (August 1, 2023). "Kawasaki Ninja E-1 and Z E-1 Electrics Ready for Launch". Motorcycle. Retrieved 14 August 2023.
- ^ a b Purvis, Ben (August 2, 2023). "Kawasaki Ninja e-1 and Z e-1 Details Emerge". Cycle World. Retrieved 14 August 2023.
- ^ "Kawasaki Ninja e-1 and Z e-1 emerge". Australian Motorcycle News. August 3, 2023. Retrieved 14 August 2023.
- ^ "Agreement Reached to Standardize Swappable Batteries for Electric Motorcycles" (Press release). Honda Global. March 26, 2021. Retrieved 16 August 2023.
- ^ "Establishment of Gachaco, Inc. Gachaco will provide sharing service of standardized swappable batteries for electric motorcycle" (Press release). Honda Global. March 30, 2022. Retrieved 16 August 2023.
- ^ Shakir, Umar (October 28, 2022). "Honda sets up the first motorcycle battery swap station for its mobile power packs". The Verge. Retrieved 16 August 2023.
- ^ "Honda Introduces Initiatives for the Utilization of Honda Mobile Power Pack, portable and swappable batteries" (Press release). Honda Global. October 29, 2021. Retrieved 16 August 2023.
External links[edit]
- "Kawasaki's First Electric and Hybrid Motorcycles on Display as Kawasaki Reveals Carbon Neutrality Plans at EICMA". Kawasaki Global (Press release). November 9, 2022.