Yamaha's Making A Twin-Motor Hybrid Scooter

Yamaha appears to be taking another serious step towards hybrid two-wheelers. The Japanese brand has filed a new patent that reveals the working of its Proto HEV hybrid powertrain, suggesting that the technology could eventually make its way to a production maxi-scooter.

The Proto HEV concept was first unveiled by Yamaha last year, and the newly filed patents now offer a closer look at how its hybrid system works and how it could be packaged into a production-ready scooter. Interestingly, this isn’t Yamaha’s first attempt at hybrid motorcycles. The company had internationally showcased hybrid concepts like the Gen-Ryu in 2005 and the HV-X in 2007-08 – neither made it to production though.

The latest patent reveals a sophisticated hybrid setup that combines a single-cylinder petrol engine, two electric motors, and a CVT automatic gearbox. The system is designed to operate in multiple modes depending on riding conditions. In pure EV mode, the rear electric motor drives the wheel using power from the battery, while the petrol engine remains switched off. The motor can also regenerate energy during braking to recharge the battery. Once the battery charge drops below a certain level, the petrol engine automatically starts and works as a generator to recharge the battery. During this phase, the scooter can continue running on electric power seamlessly. When the rider demands stronger acceleration or higher speeds, the petrol engine joins in and directly powers the rear wheel through the CVT gearbox. At the same time, the electric motor continues assisting the engine, improving both performance and efficiency.

The system also includes a boost mode, where the petrol engine and both electric motors work together to deliver maximum performance. Another highlight of the patent is its seamless operation. Yamaha’s system is designed to automatically switch between electric, hybrid and engine-powered modes without the rider noticing any interruption. The patent also shows that all the hybrid components can be neatly packaged inside a conventional-looking maxi-scooter, complete with a flat floorboard and practical bodywork. While Yamaha has not confirmed any production plans yet, the latest patent suggests the company is once again actively working on hybrid two-wheelers. With stricter emission norms and increasing demand for cleaner mobility, such technology could become an important part of Yamaha’s future lineup.

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