Swappable Electric Batteries

The four big Japanese companies, including Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, are developing swappable electric batteries. Testing of swappable electric batteries will happen at Osaka University. Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha are working together to develop and test the electric motorcycles designs.

e-Yan Osaka

The reports from MCN (Motorcycle News) suggests that these companies are ready to test their shared swappable battery design for electric motorcycles. The testing process is going to held at Osaka University and goes by the name  “e-Yan OSAKA.” 

Battery-swap Stations

Installation of these swappable electric batteries stations will occur throughout the campus along with the nearby stores. According to MCN, the consortium hasn’t shared technical specifications about the swappable batteries. Still, some speculate they’re likely to follow Honda’s lead. And will use the swappable battery packs from Honda’s PCX and Benly electric scooters.

Trial Stage

For the trial, there will be loaning of electric bikes to the Osaka University students and staff. The purpose is to find out the ways of charging motorcycles at home or work. And to avoid building big, heavy, long-range batteries into the bikes.

The swappable electric batteries are a great way to avoid the issues of large batteries. The simplicity in design makes for more robust performance, simply because there’s less potential for things to go wrong. With Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, and Kawasaki joining forces to simplify a motorcycle power source, the electric motorcycle industry seems primed for a significant upgrade.

Words by Noriaki Abe

Honda’s managing executive officer and head of motorcycle business operations, Noriaki Abe, said:

“Studies among four domestic motorcycle companies, were able to collaborate with e-Yan OSAKA to verify the common specifications of replaceable batteries. We are aware that there are still issues to be solved in the spread of electric motorcycles. We will continue to work on improving the usage environment of our customers in areas where each company can cooperate.”

The trail of swappable electric batteries e-Yan OSAKA should last for one year. So that, the consortium studies the effectiveness of its new battery designs. And to eventually decide which one should move forward with final production.