Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (YMC) has succeeded in the development of a new type of commuter vehicle for the 21st century that runs solely on electricity. Named the Yamaha Electric Commuter “Passol,” preliminary sales of this new product will begin in limited regions from November, 2002.
The new Passol is a product based on a completely different concept from the conventional scooter with the aim of creating new demand. It has been developed as a vehicle that places priority on the contemporary needs of environmental friendliness, ease of use and stylishness above the conventional standards of running performance, running distance and storage/carrying capacity. In particular, this new model has been developed under the concept of an “Urban Minimal Commuter” using clean electric energy as its power source to offer a quiet, zero-emissions ride that is ideal for short-distance use in the urban environment. At the same time, it has the stylishness and ease of use that especially women should appreciate.
The new Passol has been developed with state-of-the-art technologies throughout its power unit and chassis, utilizing control technologies developed for our PAS electro-hybrid bicycles to a high level of effectiveness as well as incorporating a number of Yamaha-exclusive human interface technologies.
These technologies have made possible:
(1) |
Use of the world’s first detachable lithium-ion battery on a motorcycle to achieve a running distance per single battery charge of 32 km (at a constant speed of 30 km/h); |
(2) |
A newly developed super-slim power unit that provides a quiet, smooth and enjoyable ride; |
(3) |
A body with 30% of its parts made of aluminum to achieve a lightweight, compact design with a body weight of just 44 kg. |
Also, advanced technologies have helped achieve environment-friendly performance that is equivalent to reductions of 60% in CO2, 90% in NOx and 80% in SOx. when calculated in terms of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).
The growth strategies for existing product lines like motorcycles designated in YMC’s new mid-term plan “Next 50” include:
(1) |
Development of clean and efficient small-size engines through the development of fuel injection systems or the use of direct injection systems that inject fuel directly into the cylinder; |
(2) |
Development of commuters using alternative power sources such as electric, hybrid or fuel-cell vehicles that can be realized in the near future; and |
(3) |
Research and development of core technologies that can spur growth in the next half-century such as technologies for aluminum components that can contribute to next-generation product creation. |
At YMC we are involved in the development of people-friendly, environment-friendly and stylish commuter vehicles that make use of alternative power sources, like that now developed Passol, or our “hybrid commuters” that combine electric and engine power with human power, as well as commuters powered by fuel cells.
In this way, YMC is applying research and development efforts based on our growth strategies to create products employing environment-friendly technologies that are also appealing in terms of inherent product qualities in order to fulfill our corporate mission of “We Create Kando – Touching Your Heart.”
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