Kawasaki e-1

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

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

Powertrain and battery

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

1. Williams, Don (November 13, 2019). "Kawasaki Electric Motorcycle First Look (8 Fast Facts)". Ultimate Motorcycling. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
2. Giacomini, Sabrina (June 18, 2020). "Kawasaki Endeavor Electric Motorcycle Project: Everything We Know". Ride Apart. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
3. Chung, Dennis (October 19, 2021). "Kawasaki Releases Details on Electric Motorcycle Concept". Motorcycle. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
4. Purvis, Ben (May 1, 2020). "Kawasaki's Decade-Long Electric Bike Project". Cycle World. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
5. Purvis, Ben (August 16, 2022). "Kawasaki Electric and Hybrid Prototypes Break Cover". Cycle World. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
6. Purvis, Ben (November 9, 2022). "2023 Kawasaki Electric Motorcycles and 2024 Hybrid". Cycle World. Retrieved 14 August 2023.
7. Chung, Dennis (August 1, 2023). "Kawasaki Ninja E-1 and Z E-1 Electrics Ready for Launch". Motorcycle. Retrieved 14 August 2023.
8. Purvis, Ben (August 2, 2023). "Kawasaki Ninja e-1 and Z e-1 Details Emerge". Cycle World. Retrieved 14 August 2023.
9. "Kawasaki Ninja e-1 and Z e-1 emerge". Australian Motorcycle News. August 3, 2023. Retrieved 14 August 2023.
10. "Agreement Reached to Standardize Swappable Batteries for Electric Motorcycles" (Press release). Honda Global. March 26, 2021. Retrieved 16 August 2023.
11. "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.
12. 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.
13. "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

• "Kawasaki's First Electric and Hybrid Motorcycles on Display as Kawasaki Reveals Carbon Neutrality Plans at EICMA". Kawasaki Global (Press release). November 9, 2022.