[Previous entry: "Suzuki Win Endurance Championship"] [Next entry: "Visit Suzuki at Silverstone BSB this weekend"]

18/08/2005: "Yamaha Releases All-Electric Motorbike"

Yamaha Motor Co. has released its second electric vehicle (EV) model, an under-50cc motorbike powered solely by electricity. The new model is called the "Yamaha Electric Commuter EC-02."

The EC-02 is equipped with a detachable, rechargeable lithium ion battery that recharges in about six hours from a domestic 100-volt alternating current power source. Very economical at 16 yen per charge, the EC-02 can travel 25-30 km on open roads in urban areas.

According to the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) environmental assessment formula, using this motorbike reduces emissions of carbon dioxide by about 57 percent, nitrogen oxide by 88 percent and sulfur oxide by 80 percent. It is eligible for an electric vehicle purchase subsidy offered by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry; the national government will pay up to 50,000 yen to purchasers who apply for the subsidy before they register the vehicle.

The EC-02 model has the advantage of running entirely on electricity, which makes it smooth and quiet. By using innovative, unique technologies for power output control and a super-slim power unit/battery, Yamaha has built a bike with a smooth, quiet ride, a soft start and good stability during medium-speed driving and uphill ascents. The EC-02 is smaller and lighter than the former model, as it has an aluminum body frame; this makes it easy to carry or keep indoors by folding up its wheels. Yamaha hopes that electric motorbikes will become more popular as consumers become more concerned about environmental issues.

(this article was taken from insidebikes.com)