For the first time, the Kawasaki HEV has been seen in public in Turin, Italy, during what seems to be a filming exercise.
There has been a lengthy wait for details regarding Kawasaki’s first electric and hybrid bikes since the company unveiled them at the end of last year. The Z e-1 and Ninja e-1 were recently revealed to be arriving in the UK for the 2024 model year, but little information has been released about the hybrid bike, or “HEV.”
We do, however, know that at least one has visited Italy.
A motorcycle with a white top fairing, a green bottom fairing, and the word “Ninja” written on the side of its bodywork in the well-known font of Kawasaki’s sport bike family is seen behind the man in a video published by the Turino Cronaca, a news publication based in Turin. The man is warning the people not to record or take pictures. It is pretty telling since, despite the faired look, Kawasaki’s hybrid bike’s inclusion in the “Ninja” family has not yet been formally confirmed.
Torino Cronaca looks to be conducting a filming exercise for the bike, as seen by the van full of cameras following the bike in the video. It suggests the bike is getting closer to being completely exposed, sold, and promoted. Because EICMA 2023 is taking place in Milan, just 90 miles away, two months from now, it may be legitimate to make assumptions about the bike’s attendance at the November exhibition. Of course, it’s hard to predict precisely what will be disclosed about the bike during EICMA (the display where it was first unveiled last year) if it makes its way to Milan in a few months. The bike’s current specs are also unknown. The bike seems to be almost finished, and that is all the information we have.
Kawasaki electric and hybrid motorcycle revealed
Several prototypes that Kawasaki claims are a part of its carbon neutrality goal have been made public.
Hiroshi Ito, President of Kawasaki Motors Corporation, revealed several bikes and provided details on the company’s carbon neutrality goals during the 2022 EICMA exhibit in Milan.
A motorbike that was shown was an electric, fairing-equipped vehicle that had similarities to Kawasaki’s Ninja series. In line with the unfair ‘Z’ style bike unveiled at Intermot 2022, this Ninja-inspired bike would also be available to A1 license holders. It would also utilize the same battery. As of September 2023, the Z e-1 and Ninja e-1, which will debut for the 2024 model year, are the two electric cars we know about.
Mr. Ito also hosted the launch of Kawasaki’s first hybrid motorbike at EICMA 2022. This bike, the same one that was reportedly sighted in Turin, uses both combustion and electric power, which may be engaged separately or simultaneously. The hybrid electric vehicle, HEV, debuted in the Japan 2022 Suzuki 8-Hour event.
Among the other vehicles Kawasaki showcased at the previous year’s EICMA were an electric tricycle dubbed “Noslisu” and, maybe more intriguingly, a motorbike powered by hydrogen modeled after the Ninja H2.
Unlike the HEV, this hydrogen-powered vehicle runs on compressed gaseous hydrogen and direct injection; however, there is currently no manufacturing schedule for it, or at least none that has been made public.
As part of its carbon neutrality goal, Kawasaki is introducing electric, hybrid, and hydrogen cars under the banner of “Go Green with Green Power.”
Furthermore, Mr. Ito reaffirmed Kawasaki’s commitment to internal combustion engines and the development of non-fossil fuel alternatives for them.
Lastly, Kawasaki declares that it “will continue to offer quality products and splendid services that meet the demand of its customers’ and society’s needs via new, environmentally friendly produces that are carbon neutral and by harnessing advances in current vehicle technology.”
