Kawasaki EV electric naked prototype meets its public at Intermot

The first of several new electric motorcycles to arrive from Kawasaki over the next couple of years has made its public bow in near-production ready form at the 2022 Intermot show in Germany.

Simply named Kawasaki EV, the 125cc equivalent electric-powered naked took pride of place on the Japanese giant’s stand at this week’s Cologne exhibition to give media and showgoers an opportunity to get up close and personal with the landmark model.

While the EV is still referred to as a prototype, it is expected to go into production next year without undergoing too many modifications as the first of up to ten full-size electric motorcycles Kawasaki is planning to offer by 2025.

It is the same machine Kawasaki rolled out in Japan in August for a brief demonstration during the Suzuka 8 Hours event, giving spectators the chance to witness its brisk, yet quiet acceleration in short runs on the home straight. 

However, its appearance at Intermot was an opportunity to get a closer look at some of the finer details in the packaging and proportions. Indeed, while some electric models are distinguished by the prominence of its battery pack in lieu of an engine - much to the chagrin of many traditional motorcycle fans - Kawasaki has clearly gone to the effort of integrating it into the design for a cleaner, more incognito first glance.

Inspired - but not identical - to other members of the Kawasaki Z naked range, the EV’s side profile is distinguished by various creases and cuts which, when blended in with the matte black panelling does a fine job of hiding some of the bulkier elements of the power unit. 

The ‘flicked up’ tail section is also notable, which could suggest has utilised the scarce space available in the compact frame to house components

While the omission of an exhaust - thus exposing some of the more jagged mechanicals - offers up an obvious hint as to what the Kawasaki EV is packing beneath, it is one of the more discreet-looking electric models out there.

We’ll have to wait for the final production model to be unveiled for confirmation of the Kawasaki EV’s technical specifications, but registration documents have pointed to a 14hp, putting it in line with 125cc models, including the firm’s own Z125.

With the EV taking centre stage at Intermot, Kawasaki could use November’s EICMA show in Milan as the setting to reveal its intriguing new Hybrid sportsbike.

Also previewed at Suzuka, the machine - which is around the size of a Ninja 400 - packs a small battery to allow it to run on electric power at low speeds, before the engine kicks further up the torque curve.

Electric and hybrid are just two of the alternative methods Kawasaki is investing in to ensure a wide choice for buyers making the transition from fossil fuels, with future models powered by hydrogen also forecast.. 

The firm reportedly entered into an agreement with auto giants Toyota to invest in development and research of the technology - which can fill up a motorcycle as quickly as fossil fuels while giving the benefits of zero exhaust emissions - in an effort to soften its primary compromise of high costs.

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