This Husky Packs A Silent Weapon

Vitesco Technology, a subsidiary of Continental AG, showed off an interesting mild-hybrid motorcycle concept based on the Husqvarna Vitpilen 401. The company used its learnings from the drivetrains it developed for four-wheelers. The result? A more efficient bike that packs almost 50 percent more power than the stock bike.

The company achieved this by using a 48-volt electric motor with a peak output of 15kW or 20.83PS. Unlike a traditional setup where the electric motor uses a belt drive to transfer power to the engine, Vitesco has used a chain directly connected to the motorcycle’s final drive. So, does that mean the Husqvarna Vitpilen’s 373cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder pumps out an additional 20PS over the 43PS it naturally produces? Not exactly. At least for now.

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The hurdle with this construction is to achieve a seamless transition between the electric motor and the engine. With the motor connected directly to the final drive, its instantaneous torque, in addition to the Vitpilen’s 37Nm, could create problems, especially when riding or cornering in the wet.

Currently, Vitesco is working on a motor controller that could smoothen the transition between the electric powertrain and the engine. To support the additional components, Vitseco has swapped the monoshock setup with dual shocks and is further looking for ways to plonk a battery so that the bike can run purely on the electric motor. With all the additional equipment, we expect a considerable increase in weight from the stock bike’s 151kg dry weight.

The Vitesco bike is still far from production, however, the idea of mild-hybrid motorcycles is not new. Last month, Kawasaki announced its plans to launch as many as three electric and mild-hybrid bikes by the end of 2022, and seven more by 2025. In India, Yamaha has introduced two mild-hybrid scooters-- the Fascino 125 Hybrid and RayZR 125 Hybrid.