Yamaha to produce their PES1 and PED1 electric motorcycles

[Richard230]

I never thought I would see the day (well at least not this soon), but this report says that Yamaha will be producing their PES1 and PED1 electric motorcycles - in 2016.  They look great, but will be down on performance compared with the latest Brammo and Zero models by the time they are introduced:  http://www.autoblog.com/2014/04/23/yamaha-pes1-ped1-electric-motorcycles-production/

[Brammofan]

This will be interesting to watch.

[Richard230]

More information here, along with a couple of videos, an e-scooter and a couple of e-bikes.  Nice designs, but the battery packs look to have taken a capacity hit by the vehicle designers.  They look a lot like the Zero FX 2.8 kWh modules.

http://insideevs.com/see-all-of-yamahas-electric-two-wheelers-at-tokyo-motor-show-photos-and-videos/

[Brammofan]

Unless they've discovered a new battery chemistry with a heretofore unattainable energy density, I think they're in for a bad time.

Or...perhaps they want it to fail in an attempt to put the whole electric motorcycle industry to bed.

[Shinysideup]

Pretty trick instrument display, though. Not enough to save it from slow speed and limited range, however.

[protomech]

I actually think they could do quite well .. provided the price is right.

One of the big barriers that Brammo and Zero both face is distribution and support.

Another big barrier is supplier relationships and low-volume pricing.

Yamaha and the other existing manufacturers have a leg up here.

What if Yamaha released the PDS with similar specs to the original Enertia .. ~15 hp, 60 mph, 3 kWh .. but the price was $4k instead of $12k and then $8k?

Dropping 100 pounds of weight would make performance fairly sprightly, possibly similar to or better than 250cc. The PDS won't be doing any highway travel, but that's not in the cards anyways with only 3 kWh onboard.

$400 low-power controller
$900 battery pack (Enerdel from evolveelectrics is $400/kWh for assembled modules)
$250 12kW motor
$200 charger (2x meanwell HLG-320?)
$100 cables, contactor, fuses, etc
$150 BMS, various boards, etc
= $2000 for the EV components

Can Yamaha build the rest of the bike for < $2000, including warranty and dealer margin? I think it's possible.

How well would the PDS sell if it was lined up against a Yamaha R25 or Honda CBR-250?