All hybrid engines offer us the opportunity to enjoy both sides of each type of engine. On the one hand, we have the power and autonomy that fossil fuels give us and, on the other hand, the sustainability of renewable energies. Just as we have talked about electric cars and hybrid cars, today we have to talk about hybrid motorcycles.
If you want to know what the hybrid bikes, its characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, in this post we explain everything in a detailed and up-to-date manner.
What are hybrid motorcycles
Hybrid motorcycles combine elements of internal combustion engines (gasoline or diesel) with electric motors. This combination is made to take advantage of the best of each technology: the great power and autonomy of combustion engines and the energy efficiency and sustainability of electric motors.
The operation of hybrid motorcycles is similar to that of hybrid cars, as they allow you to switch between one engine and the other or even use them simultaneously on certain occasions. It is common to use the electric motor in urban environments and reserve the combustion engine for interurban journeys or in situations that require more power or autonomy.
These types of motorcycles have been designed with the aim of reducing gasoline consumption and reducing polluting gases, making them an excellent option for combining efficient mobility with greater autonomy compared to fully electric motorcycles.
Differences with other types of motorcycles
Compared to conventional combustion motorcycles and electric motorcycles, hybrid motorcycles offer a number of key advantages and differences.
Compared to gasoline motorcyclesHybrids have the advantage of being able to use the electric motor in urban environments, making them much more sustainable and quieter. However, when more power is needed, they can switch to the combustion engine to offer more speed and greater autonomy, something that makes them superior to electric motorcycles in situations of long journeys or outside the city.
Regarding the electric motorcyclesHybrids gain in autonomy and versatility. While an electric motorcycle can quickly run out of battery on long journeys and need several hours of charging, a hybrid motorcycle can continue to run on fossil fuel without any problem. However, electric motorcycles are still cleaner in terms of emissions and noise, especially in 100% urban use.
One of the disadvantages compared to electric motorcycles is that hybrid motorcycles are still dependent on fossil fuels, which leads them to emit polluting gases in interurban or higher speed situations.
Advantages of hybrid motorcycles
One of the main advantages of hybrid motorcycles is that they allow you to enjoy the best of both worlds: the autonomy and power of combustion engines and the efficiency and sustainability of electric motors. This makes them an excellent option for those who need interurban and intracity mobility.
Other advantages are:
- Greater autonomy: Hybrid motorcycles offer more kilometers of autonomy thanks to the combined use of electric and combustion engines.
- Versatility: You can use the bike in electric mode in the city and switching to combustion mode on long journeys.
- Cost reduction: By using the electric motor in the city, you save fuel and maintenance costs, since many mechanical parts wear less.
On an economic level, one important thing that stands out is that electric motorcycles tend to have a high price in relation to their performance. In this sense, hybrid motorcycles are a more accessible way to acquire a motorcycle with advanced technology that provides greater flexibility and comfort on every journey.
Main disadvantages
Despite their advantages, not everything about this type of vehicle is positive. Hybrid motorcycles have certain drawbacks that are important to consider before making a purchase.
- Silence of the electric motor: Although noise reduction is positive for the urban environment, some users and even pedestrians may be affected by the lack of sound, which could lead to accidents or dangerous situations.
- Lower speed than gasoline ones: For riders seeking speed and adrenaline, combustion motorcycles are still a superior choice, as hybrids do not usually reach the same power.
- Higher price than conventional motorcycles: Although hybrid motorcycle prices have decreased in recent years, they are still more expensive than traditional internal combustion motorcycles, which can be a barrier for some consumers.
Another point to consider is that these bikes have technical complexity due to the combination of two engines. That is, having a more advanced system can translate into higher maintenance costs compared to a conventional bike.
Also, although hybrid motorcycle batteries are usually removable, you may have to pay more on your electricity bill for charging. You can optimize the cost of electric charging at home by knowing when is light more expensive and adjusting your charging habits.
Hybrid motorcycle models available on the market
Hybrid motorcycle technology is constantly developing and more and more brands are launching models with this feature. Below we highlight some of the best-known models:
- Piaggio MP3 Hybrid: This was one of the first commercial hybrid motorcycles, launched in 2009. It uses a system that combines a 125cc engine with a small 3.5hp electric motor.
- Honda PCX e:HEV: This model launched in Japan combines a 124 cc internal combustion engine with a 1.9 HP electric motor for a combined total of 15 HP. This model is known for its lightness and compact design.
- Yamaha Grand Filano Hybrid: A hybrid scooter that offers the ability to move with an electric motor assisted by a 125cc gasoline engine. The electric motor gives a small push to the gasoline engine.
In addition to these commercial models, several brands are working on new prototypes of hybrid motorcycles with advanced technology for the future.
Cities such as Tokyo and Paris, with strict emissions regulations, are ideal markets for this type of vehicle and brands are looking to take advantage of this opportunity to improve their hybrid offering.
Future of hybrid motorcycles
Hybrid motorcycles represent an emerging trend in the evolution of sustainable transportation and many manufacturers are expected to explore and expand this technology in the coming years. However, it faces challenges and opportunities.
One of the main challenges facing hybrid motorcycles is the increasing energy efficiencyElectric batteries remain a limitation in terms of autonomy and fast charging capacity, but new technologies are being developed to reduce these limitations.
Various brands such as Kawasaki They have shown prototypes with hybrid aspirations that could reach the market in a few years. The prototype HEV Kawasaki's, for example, combines combustion engines with advanced electrical systems to offer both power and greater range for interurban use, a step towards the future of motorcycles.
Furthermore, electric charging infrastructure is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, facilitating the adoption of these types of vehicles in more cities and countries. With more charging points, users will find it more attractive to make the transition to partially electric models.
The flexibility and economic advantages of hybrid motorcycles make them a logical transition towards an increasingly electric future, where being able to choose between fuel and electricity will be an option that will provide convenience to the user.
The decision between an electric, hybrid or combustion motorcycle will depend on the use you intend to give it. If you use your vehicle more in the city, an electric one will offer you zero emissions and low maintenance costs. If you make long journeys, a hybrid will give you the autonomy and flexibility you need.