Honda and Yamaha to make electric motorcycles
"Make hay while the sun shines 'cuz we're on our way and we're bringing some serious rain," is the message Honda and Yamaha are sending to the new electric motorcycle companies that have been springing up like daisies. Only one of the two long-established Japanese brands has shown off battery-powered concepts in the recent past and neither has offered any for sale to the public. This has allowed new start-ups like Vectrix to begin establishing a strong presence. No more. Well, in a year or two, no more. Maybe.Honda and Yamaha have reportedly both set launch dates for electric motorcycles. YaMoCo is looking at 2010 to offer a bike with 50cc-like performance with a 100km (62 mile) range. Not too impressive, but it's a start.
[Source: Reuters]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
brandon 5:01PM (9/11/2008)
I wouldn't mind trading the cost of a catalytic converter on motorcycles in CA with the cost of a battery...
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tankd0g 8:16PM (9/11/2008)
They have let the Chinese eat their lunch for too long already. You can buy an electric scooter from some company you never heard of in just about every town and it's a lot cheaper than a Honda and doesn't require a bike license (yet) in most places.
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Glenn 11:21AM (9/12/2008)
Interesting that Honda would go ahead with EV bikes, but have apparently decided to not go the electric route with passenger vehicles
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Marc Gilbert 5:59PM (9/15/2008)
That’s great news to hear that these large manufacturers are getting into the game of electric. But, I would check out EVC, once they get into the marketplace, they will blow away Vectrix and any other newcomer.
I am also not impressed with Enertia and their offering, not only is their bike ugly, but looks cheap! Rumor has it they are desperate for business they approached Vectrix to be buy Enertia, but Vectrix declined as they have their own problems to sort out.
My money’s on EVC, once they come to market. Check them out: www.evcusa.com
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