Typically, we like to be definitive with our headings. We like to make a statement and then open things for a debate. However, today’s heading ends with a question mark. This is mostly because we are not quite sure if the Japanese are getting serious (for electromobility) or if they are still dialing in their participation.
The Japan mobility show is always a good place to make a judgment. It starts at the end of this month and has always been a place for the Japanese four to give a vision to their future. This year seems a bit special as Honda, Yamaha, and Suzuki have all announced their intent to unveil new E2W models or concepts.
Honda
Honda has provided the least details till now, but what is expected is the production version (Japanese market) of the CUV e: scooter. This is already launched in Europe, the UK, and Indonesia markets as the CUV e: and a variant of this sells in India as the Activa e:.
The Unnamed Concept
Most interestingly, Honda says that there will be the world premiere of a new electric motorcycle concept at the Japan Mobility Show. We have very little information available at the moment except that Honda says that the concept electric motorcycle is being developed with “a new approach that defies conventional ideas to deliver customers surprises, excitement, and new experiences.”
It is unlikely that the WN7 would be there at the show. It’s primarily taregtd at the European market and would make its way to EICMA, a few days down the line.
Yamaha
TRICERA Concept
Honda may still be conservative but several things in the Yamaha press release pop out. The first is the TRICERA, a unique open-top electric autocycle. It’s a working prototype and Yamaha says it will rock a three-wheel-steering (3WS). The Tricera is not new, it was first unveiled in 2023, yet still remains a concept.
Somewhat similar to the system in the Ferrari Elettrica, the TRICERA also features a sound control, which tweaks and tunes the electric motor’s sound and deliver it to enhance the experience.
PROTO BEV
Yamaha’s other conmcept at the Japan Mobility Show is the PROTO BEV, an electric sportsbike that shares styling elements with the Yamaha R1.
Like the TRICERA, the PROTO BEV is also a working prototype. Yamaha says that it has prioritised fun, lightweight and compactness in the PROTO, and visually there is a slim profile to notice.
Yamaha says this is a concept though it may just be a few months away from production.
The concept is likely to feature a sound device to mimic the natural sound of a motorcycle and frankly it now it depends on the execution.
Suzuki
The main talking point on the Suzuki display is the eVanVan. The original VanVan was Suzuki’s iconic motorcycle that came in 125cc, and later a 200cc variant. The VanVan was known for being lightweight, fun, and simple.
At the Japan Mobility Show, Suzuki is unveiling the eVanVan concept. While they may call it a concept, this appears ready for production.
The eVanVan is essentially a mini-bike likely running on 12″ wheels shod with fat tires. There are short-travel USD forks at the front and dual shocks at the rear complement the retro look.
There is likely a fixed battery pack and beginner’s license level of performance (11 kW).
eAccess/eAddress
The eVanVan does look cool and brings some electric excitement to the brand considering that the other electric product on display would be the eAccess/eAddress scooter.
The eAccess was first displayed at the Bharat Mobility Show at the start of the year. It is a rather simple, but seemingly well engineered scooter that is powered by a 4.1 kW swingarm-mounted motor for a claimed 71 kph top-speed. Energy is supplied from a 3.07 kWh LFP fixed battery pack.
A new sense of excitement?
We wish we could say that. Some other day, the fact that three Japanese brands are coming to the show with at least two BEVs each should be an indicator that they are finally getting serious about electric. However, only the unnamed Honda motorcycle, the Suzuki eVanVan, and the Yamaha PROTO BEV are truly new. The Yamaha Tricera has been around for two years now and the Suzuki eAccess/eAddress was first unveiled at the Bharat Mobility Show at the start of the year and has already gone on sale in the Indian market.
