[SCR950 News]

Automotive manufacturers have been moving towards electrification for years and it looks like Yamaha may follow this trend with a pair of electric bikes dubbed PED1 and PES1.

First unveiled in concept form at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, the pair was part of a campaign called the E-KIZUNA Project, a movement promoting electric modes of transportation to reduce urban traffic congestion, solve parking issues and reduce pollution.

Not just a pretty face, the PES1 was working electric concept powered by a brushless DC Power module e-mill motor mounted to its modular frame. What’s more, the motor is paired with a gearbox that can be set to either automatic or manual mode.

So far Yamaha has not publically stated their intent to produce electric bikes, but according to Motorcycle-Magazine.com, the company has struck a deal with Saitama City in Japan to promote electric motorcycles.

The agreement includes a network of charging stations, though it isn’t the typical plug and charge most are familiar with. At these charging stations, motorcyclists can swap out a depleted battery with a fully charged on and each station will have a stock of fresh ones on hand while recharging empty ones in preparation for the next swap.

Currently the only electric offering is a scooter named E-Vino. If the sportier PED1 and PES1 proves to be successful, does anyone think Yamaha will try to make electric variations of their existing models like the SCR950?

 

[YamiGuy]

I hope they follow through with this because HD came on the scene with an electric bike concept but didn't progress any further than that. They were quiet since. HD Livewire sort of sits in a segment similar to where an electric SCR would be.

 

[Cruze]

Love the innovation and the movement to go forward and all of that but it's just not my thing. Even if they did come out with an SCR electric, I wouldn't be interested. It's the sounds of these engines and all of that which really pull me in.

 

[OpenRoad]

Electric bikes are nice and all, but changing out the battery only works if you live in the city and it's not going to happen with more retro bikes like the SCR950. Maybe one day when I'm old and want something to putter around town on for grocery runs, but not anytime soon.

 

[TheScrambled]

With how fuel efficient motorcycles already are, I honestly don't see a point in going electric, especially with how large of a battery pack you'd need to get similar range not to mention charging time.