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Author Topic: Kawasaki hybrid patent  (Read 411 times)

Richard230

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Kawasaki hybrid patent
« on: July 10, 2019, 04:03:22 AM »

It seems like the Japanese big 4 are really into EV patents, but not so much into actually mass producing them for the consumer market:
https://www.motorcycle.com/mini-features/kawasaki-is-developing-a-hybrid-motorcycle.html
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Richard's motorcycle collection:  2018 16.6 kWh Zero S, 2020 KTM 390 Duke, 2002 Yamaha FZ1 (FZS1000N) and a 1978 Honda Kick 'N Go Senior.

Fran K

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Re: Kawasaki hybrid patent
« Reply #1 on: July 10, 2019, 04:44:29 AM »

Kawasaki does have a heavy equipment branch.  I do not know of any other Japanese brand that also has a presence in diesel equipment.  Vw/Ducati is another one but not Japanese.  This one appears to be gasoline but the linked article does not really point out what they are patenting.  I hope they can't claim rights to both the engine and motor using the same transmission.

There is supposed to be a hybrid scooter from vespa but it is like the 50cc class.  The vespa articles only seem to mention it in passing.  They supposedly have a 300cc scooter in the round the world class from what I read but of course gasoline.
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wavelet

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Re: Kawasaki hybrid patent
« Reply #2 on: July 10, 2019, 11:47:38 PM »

Interesting... I'm skeptical that a PHEV drivetrain on a motorcycle makes sense, given the extra space & weight needed to accommodate  both systems. The mechanical drivetrain is a fairly large % of the weight of a bike as it is, and needing to retain it while adding a motor and battery looks difficult (and expensive).
A parallel-hybrid design, which this patent is for, is even worse than a series-hybrid (or BEV+range extended): You still need to retain the transmission/gearbox, plus a mechanical way of apportioning the power from both systems. A range extender design at least removes the need for that and could be more compact.
You also need to cool both systems, ICE and EV drivetrains, which is yet more weight/complexity.

Seems to be it makes a lot more sense to invest in improved aerodynamics and reduce curb weight by advanced materials.

Incidentally, while Honda doesn't do heavy equipment AFAIK, they do have automotive diesel engines (an option on their cars in Europe) & diesel generators. 
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