Kawasaki has filed a new patent that indicates more hybrid models are coming from the brand. The blueprint revealed it can be a hybrid maxi scooter, leading people to wonder what would change things for the company. The article covers everything you wish to know about the Kawasaki maxi scooter and its hybrid strategy.
Kawasaki launched its first hybrid bikes in October 2023, but the company has struggled with the hybrid bikes. Ninja 7 Hybrid and Z7 Hybrid were launched, but they did not make much in sales; however, they did capture attention due to the innovation.
Kawasaki is not the only one working on hybrid models; Yamaha and other rivals are also working on hybrid models, but the new patent from Kawasaki for the hybrid maxi scooter can be the game changer for them.
What are the struggles that Kawasaki faced with Hybrid bikes?
Kawasaki launched their first-ever hybrid motorcycle two years ago, but it was not able to make it place in the market. While the hybrid model is getting popular in the four-wheeler sector, it is yet to make its strong place in the two-wheeler segment.
Let’s see what struggle Kawasaki faced with hybrid bikes, as it did not gain much traction:
- In the US, many people prefer motorcycles when they are going for an adventure or have a great time in the countryside. The hybrid models seem unpopular here, as they are common in Asia and Europe.
- Another reason is that the Ninja 7 hybrid and Z7 hybrid are middleweight motorcycles; hence, the weight and space restrictions lead to a compromise of the engine and battery capacity.
- The hybrid bikes were slow and heavy compared to ICE motorcycles, making them struggle more in the market.
- Another challenge was the cost, as the hybrid technology can be pricier compared to the other models, making the model expensive. The high cost does not incite customers, especially when there are no incentives for the hybrid models.
- Another reason can be the confusion, as the hybrid is not actually an EV or ICE, making riders think it will be moving forward with electric vehicles in the future.
What is the Kawasaki plan for the hybrid powertrain maxi scooter?
Kawasaki’s maxi scooter has the brand’s performance DNA, great for a daily commute, and making its place in the market, but it does not have as much market share as Yamaha and Honda scooters, because they dominate the market.
Now, Kawasaki’s patent revealed that they may develop a hybrid powertrain for the large maxi-scooter. The recent patent shows that the scooter structure can contain the battery and electric motors without affecting the weight, or it can go along with the scooter body.
The Kawasaki patent highlights the following details about the design, battery, and others:
- The blueprint shows the battery can be moved to the front of the cylinder head, affecting the cooling efficiency and enhancing the air flow.
- The model will have an integrated compact combustion engine, battery, electric motors, and control units.
- The designs show the large maxi-scooters, which can be ideal for weight and space, and offer great performance.
- The blueprint shows the hybrid designs and packaging that could fit into the scooter; it shows that it will have a 451cc parallel twin engine.
Is the Kawasaki Hybrid Maxi-scooter a good idea?
It seems moving the hybrid model to the scooters is a better idea, considering many cities are imposing clean air zones and zero-emission standards. The model that can be switched between electric and combustion will be the better choice for daily and long commutes compared to a pure electric one.
You can see Honda X-ADV costs around £11,499, while the Yamaha TMax Tech Max can cost around £14,550, and their success revealed that people are ready to invest in such scooters. This reveals that a hybrid scooter can have a market that can be easy for Kawasaki.
It will be easier to integrate the hybrid technology into the scooter and develop the scooter that solves the problem for the company, as well as provide customers with what they require.
How will it impact the industry?
The Kawasaki hybrid technology can perform better in the scooter silhouette, which can be great for the Kawasaki. The hybrid maxi-scooter will be great for Asian and European markets, considering they use it more for daily commuting.
With this move, Yamaha and Honda, like brands, can have a great competition coming that can meet the customer requirement, especially vehicles for delivery people.
With the hybrid scooter, Kawasaki will diversify the market and enter into a new market that can go with the current demand for eco-friendly mobility. The maxi scooter with hybrid technology can be the big thing or a game-changer for Kawasaki.
