Quietly, but consistently, Honda has been working behind the scenes on a hybrid motorcycle. First talked about in 2021 when Honda patented a number of new, never before-seen innovations in hybrid technology, and then for a period of years, silent, it seemed that the focus for Honda had shifted to electric motorcycles.
It is claimed that all 11 patents share the same common elements: an internal combustion engine (ICE) and two electric motors. What is uncertain as of yet is how the power will be delivered to the rear wheel. All patents illustrate a multi-cylinder ICE.
While Kawasaki was stealing the show with its upcoming hybrid, likely to the 2024 market, Honda has been engineering some completely new innovations related to the technology. The use of two electric motors and a conventional combustion engine offers some interesting possibilities. One is that while the motorcycle runs on one electric motor, the second motor will act as a generator, charging the first motor or the battery.
It would seem, based on some preliminary engineering diagrams, that the hybrid will be designed for long distance touring, along with conventional ICE motorcycles. Honda calls its new hybrid system, PCX Hybrid. It uses a compact structure that will fit into the body of a gasoline model PCX, designed to avoid increased weight.
During engine start a newly developed compact lithium-ion battery, combined with a core material for the motor, and electromagnetic steel sheet with low iron loss, has been adopted (https://global.honda/en/tech/Hybrid_System_PCX_HYBRID/). The battery is located at the rear of the luggage compartment, and the power unit, which controls the system, is placed inside the front cover, optimizing weight distribution.
In terms of performance, the motor assist achieves a 33% increase in torque at 4,000 rpm and a 22% increase at 5,000 rpm compared to the PCX’s engine torque. This lasts for three seconds and then gradually reduces over the next second. When not assisting the motor, the ACG starter generates electricity to charge the lithium-ion battery, again improving performance and acceleration.
Motorcycle.com claims that a (PCU) will manage how power is delivered to the rear wheel, whether its the ICE alone, or with one or both electric motors assisting. It will also allow for one motor electric drive as well, since some jurisdictions in Europe are already requiring zero emissions.
In terms of efficiency, a two motor electric system seems to make sense. One can act as the drive motor, while one can generate electricity to power the batteries. When combined with regenerative braking, this should allow for smaller, lighter batteries, without requiring a large sacrifice as to the range, which is the challenge that faces purely electric vehicles. At present little is known about the transmission, as a manual transmission, or CVT dual clutch design enabling one to switch gears and operation between ICE and the two electric motors.
Unlike Kawasaki that has clearly intentioned that a hybrid motorcycle will be announced late in the coming year, Honda looks to be targeting 2025 as its first year to introduce the hybrid variant. It would also seem logical that the motorcycle, once produced, will be targeted towards the European market as zero emission requirements are being put in place when travelling through some urban areas.
Ciao…
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