Kawasaki Bets Big On Hybrid

Published January 28, 2022
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With more than 10 electric bikes in the works by Kawasaki, the new patents suggest solutions for hybrid tech issues

After being in the works for years, Kawasaki revealed the Endeavour Hybrid (based on the Ninja 300) in 2019 and unveiled the 400cc twin-cylinder prototype last year, which is inspired by the Ninja 400. New patents on the hybrid technology by Kawasaki have surfaced and give more details on the working of the tech.

The new patents reveal that the production bike based on the prototype shown last year could easily be adopted on multiple models. Electrifying the bike, fitted under the seat, is a 48-volt Li-ion battery, which is equivalent to a small car battery.

The new patent reveals the airflow system of the bike’s under-seat air-cooled battery pack. It displays on the faired prototype how the bike will have ducts that will channel the air to the battery from the lower fairing and around the IC engine. It also shows the exhaust ducts at the end of the battery that will allow the heat to escape while facilitating airflow.

The other patent solves the issue of electric motors being placed right above the transmission, which means that it occupies the space of the upper mount of the rear suspension. The patent suggests that the electric motor can be used as the shock top mount with the help of a cast alloy plate that connects it to the frame.

We already know that the hybrid system will couple with the IC engine to operate as a conventional petrol motorcycle while cruising, offering great fuel efficiency. What’s more? The bike gets the functionality of switching to all-electric when needed. Paired with a six-speed transmission, the bike features an additional clutch to engage or disengage the electric motor.

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To read more about the prototype click here. With more than 10 electric and hybrid projects scheduled to launch by 2025, Kawasaki is the only superbike company with prototypes working on making electric motorcycles a possibility. It will be exciting to see what the Japanese bike maker achieves in the near future with electric bikes.

Currently, other than scooters, there have only been the Revolt RV 400 and Tork Kratos as electric motorcycle offerings in the country. For a more performance-oriented electric bike, we are counting on the Ultraviolette F77 that launches soon.