Yamaha to launch biofuel motorcycles, adopts go-slow strategy for EVs: Report

Japan's Yamaha Motor aims to bring synthetic-fuel motorcycles into the Asian market very soon, claims a report by Nikkei Asia. However, despite being ambitious with biofuel driven motorcycles, the Japanese two-wheeler manufacturer is cautious about ramping up its electric two-wheelers in the region, further claims the report.

Yamaha has been aiming at various methods to reduce its carbon footprint. In an attempt to achieve that target, the two-wheeler manufacturer is focusing on electric vehicles. At the same time, it is also working on biofuel-powered motorcycles, which are expected to reduce carbon emissions significantly compared to traditional petrol engines.

In two recent interviews, Yamaha Motor president Yoshihiro Hidaka has revealed why the Japanese auto company is exploring more than one greener p[owertrain solution for its motorcycle range to address the vehicular emission and climate change-related issues.

While talking to Nikkei CNBC, Hidaka revealed Yamaha’s ongoing hydrogen engine development plans. He said that CO2 may be treated as a bad thing, but the engine itself is not bad. "We have to seek a solution for internal combustion engines that do not emit CO2," he further added. He also pointed out that the environmental benefits of hydrogen depend on how that hydrogen is sourced. Hidaka said that Yamaha aims to solve that problem in 2022 only.

The auto company is yet to reveal details on which motorcycle models will receive the biofuel compatible powertrain. It is also not clear if the two-wheeler brand will bring a completely new model with a biofuel powertrain or if an existing motorcycle will receive the greener powertrain.

With India focusing on biofuel engines as a medium of greener and cleaner powertrain technology, Yamaha may consider launching its biofuel-powered motorcycle here. In that case, the motorcycle would boost India's drive to push biofuel driven mobility.