Yamaha Patents Reveal A Performance Electric Motorcycle Is In The Works

Yamaha recently filed patent images for an electric motorcycle. The designs demonstrate Yamaha's commitment to maximising battery capacity while keeping weight to a minimum – a task that is seemingly the biggest challenge to crack at the moment. This development marks a significant step forward from the company's earlier concepts like the PES1 and PES2 which were shown over a decade ago but have yet to materialise in production form.

The new patent images reveal a sportbike silhouette with a trellis-style front frame and what appears to be an aluminium swingarm pivot. However, the real innovation lies in the massive, finned case housing the batteries and electronics. This design maximises battery space, with the electric motor positioned as far back as possible, driving the front sprocket through a reduction gearbox.

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At the heart of Yamaha's new design is a simpler air-cooled battery case. Inside, four platforms carry two battery modules, with cooling fins integrated into the case's sides and bottom for optimal thermal management.

While power output remains speculative, it's worth noting that Yamaha's in-house EV powertrain business already supplies external customers with motors ranging from 35kW (47 bhp) to a whopping 350kW (470 bhp). This suggests that Yamaha can do so with formidable firepower.

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As the automotive industry accelerates towards an electric future, Yamaha's latest patent filing signals that the company is not just along for the ride. With over a decade of behind-the-scenes development in electric bikes, Yamaha seems well positioned to enter the arena of large, high-performance electric bikes when market conditions align.