Yamaha Reveals PES1 and PED1 Electric Prototypes

Yamaha is bringing two new electric motorcycle prototypes to the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show: the PES1 streetbike and the PED1 dirt bike. The nomenclature is a combination of the initials for Passion, Electric and Street for the street version and Dirt for the off-road model.

Both prototypes are equipped with DC brushless electric motors powered by lithium-ion batteries. The power unit, dubbed the “Yamaha Smart Power Module”, for both models is mounted in a monocoque frame. One innovative feature is a new transmission system that can be switched between manual and automatic modes.

According to Yamaha, the PES1 weighs in at under 220 pounds while the PED1 weighs less than 187 pounds.

Here’s what Yamaha has to say about the PES1 and PED1:

In addition to the characteristics unique to an electric motor, the Passion within the new riding experience these two EV (electric vehicle) motorcycle concept models offer is clear-cut, and they retain the same operational feeling that current motorcycle riders are used to. The Street sport “PES1″ and Dirt sport “PED1″ have a power unit (Yamaha Smart Power Module) with a monocoque structure that also functions as the frame. Supplementing the environmental performance inherent to an EV, both models are equipped with features like a transmission with manual and automatic modes, a removable battery for easy replacement and various types of smartphone information service functions.

[PES1] Length×Width×Height = 1,918 mm×640 mm×1,000 mm
Motor type = DC brushless motor
Battery type = Lithium-ion
Transmission = Switchable between manual and automatic
Vehicle weight = under 100 kg

[PED1] Length×Width×Height = 1,900 mm×758 mm×1,205 mm
Motor type = DC brushless motor
Battery type = Lithium-ion
Transmission = Switchable between manual and automatic
Vehicle weight = under 85 kg

[Source: Yamaha]

By Dennis Chung