Hybrid motorcycles are in full development
In the field of motorcycles we talk a lot about those that are combustion or those that work only with electric motors. However, also in the world of two wheels there are hybrid options. Thus, it is known that in cars the first with hybrid technology was the Toyota Prius, dated in 1997.
From then on, with this type of engine increasingly seen better, they were emerging different vehicles that endowed this specialty in an even more performance-oriented way. However, and although the motorcycle segment was already studying its passage, it took 12 years until we saw the first motorcycle of these characteristics, which paved the way for hybrid motorcycles.
At the time, and as one of the most interesting discoveries of that time, the Piaggio MP3 Hybrid. He did it in 2009, studying a technology that, although it was already advanced enough in cars, it was decided to do it with the same operation of that Prius from the late 90s. With her it was very easy to research for the models and types to come, since mistakes were born typical of youth.
All this, probably, with which the least successful project of the Italian brand. In it mechanical problems of different kinds were observed. Despite continuous progress, Piaggio finally withdrew from the manufacture and production of hybrid motorcycles to enter them later (still without success). But how have they evolved? How do they currently work?
What are they and how do they work
About them we have to say that, because they are still in full development, they are less widespread than their older four-wheelers. So it is normal that we still do not have our own idea of what they are and how they work. In fact, and if we compare television spots, it is very rare that we come across advertisements about them today.
But let’s go to the beginning. This type of motorcycles, in the same way that happens in cars, use a system of combined drive. This is the combination of an electric motor and a combustion engine, which aims to reduce gasoline consumption and reduce its emission of polluting gases.
With this configuration, the bike can take advantage of both sources to obtain power and move economically, without sacrificing its performance. As such, it is seen as a very beneficial alternative to conventional motorcycles, especially for its good environmental performance, which is what has made its commitment to have a growing presence.
It is true that, at the moment, not all brands have been focusing on this technology (there are only three models), but yes because it is featured on their roadmaps. Not only for the future, but also for today. One of the firms that have opted for them is Kawasaki, a Japanese brand that is a benchmark in combustion motorcycles. In his case, Tokyo is the one that is seeing the most in them as the closest solution, also as an option to electricity companies, which do have a greater availability.
Technical specifications
So what is it that makes them less seen? Mainly, the lack of space (there is not enough to fit two engines) and the weight, here much greater than its alternative variants. Even so, it is also necessary to explain that hybrid motorcycles they have advantages compared to traditional motorcycles, but also some compared to 100% electric motorcycles.
Why? Well, for a matter of convenience, at least until we leave behind fossil fuels, something inevitable in the future. The most common in them is to use the electric motor for transport and cities and use fossil fuels for intercity travel. Trips in which we have to increase speed, where doing it by highway or highway will be more efficient when using gasoline or diesel fuels.
On the other hand, in cities, which is where less speed is needed, it is more interesting to use the electric motor. It is there where more performance can be obtained. A performance and productivity which is something scarce of what can be attended in other segments. And in the case of hybrids the difference is somewhat bulky.
As a general rule, these still do not have very high powers, but rather the opposite. For example, in the case of Honda’s PCX Hybrid, one of the few of this type that is marketed in Spain, its powers reach up to 100 km / h. In it we have a 150 cc displacement with an electric motor that delivers 10.6 kW, the equivalent of 14.5 HP.
With regard to their autonomies, most of these vehicles tend to be around the 20 and 30 km travel. Then there is that of Yamaha, which has a system that combines the operation of the 2 engines: the 125 cc combustion engine and the electric Smart Motor Generator. In your case, your battery acts to start the motorcycle and to help the combustion engine in the acceleration phases for a maximum of 3 or 4 seconds. That is to say, the electrical energy is to assist the combustion engine and in this way, reduce consumption and polluting emissions.
Advantages to consider
On the other hand, it is notorious how these hybrid motorcycles represent great advantages and benefits compared to traditional ones, as well as to those of electrical mechanics. What’s more, these were born as the first ecological alternative to the 100% combustion motorcycle, so it is necessary to detail why they can be favorable on a day-to-day basis.
It’s more; Hybrid motorcycles have greater autonomy (and sometimes power) than electric motorcycles, this thanks to their combustion engine that generates significant benefits. The fear of the advancement of new technologies can be an impediment in their development. The difference is that it is easier to find pumps and refuel during the journey if you use a hybrid motorcycle.
Greater autonomy and power
As we have mentioned, the combustion engine of these motorcycles allows, as a general rule, to reach greater autonomies and, in certain cases, an average power that it is also usually higher. Here aspects such as the sensations when driving are focused, which will show why its power delivery is somewhat smoother.
And it is that, although in an electric one it is quite common to go looking for jets every so often, in these it is a very characteristic point. However, battery technology is getting better and better, so this may change in a few years.
Zero emissions
If we look at hybrids versus conventional ones, yes. They are vehicles that, despite having a combustion engine, their polluting gas emissions are much lower than these. This is very well explained because they can also drive an electric motor.
There are three fundamental aspects that are on the order of the day when it comes to sustainable mobility. Three aspects that are worth considering, especially for those who are beginning to think about going from a thermal to one of these characteristics.
- Less noise when you use the electric motor, which reduces noise pollution.
- Zero emissions of polluting gases into the atmosphere when it circulates.
- Less contamination When you recharge electricity, if it comes from renewable sources, of course.
Economic and maintenance savings
This is another point very in its favor. And it is that hybrid motorcycles come off of several pieces that work with fluids, so, in the long run, we will notice how we get more out of them with much lower expenses, especially if we are drivers who frequent medium-distance trips.
Here it is also seen that when they use the part of fossil fuel they do not suppose so much, but this trend is triggered when the electric motor is used. They also highlight that, by having both types of engines, it gives a quite important advantage when it comes to refueling.
Although the current trend is to develop new projects whose vehicles are based on 100% renewable and ecological energies, it is also true that these combined technologies will continue to be an option to consider in the short term, as is the case with vehicles. hybrids.