Kawasaki introduced the Ninja EV and Z-EV prototype products at EICMA 2022, Milan, Italy. The good news is that these two electric motorbikes will be ready for production in 2023.
Hiroshi Ito, President and CEO of Kawasaki Motors Ltd, stated that the Ninja and Z series EVs will meet the needs of commuters in European countries and become part of the company’s vision of focusing on carbon neutrality.
Both the Ninja and the Z series EV will comply with AI vehicle licensing regulations in Europe and go on sale in 2023. Both will be implanted with the same dual batteries and a maximum capacity of 3.0 kWh.
Much like the naked bike Z concept, the new full fairing electric Ninja also gets a relaxed ride bar set design. The front shell is reminiscent of the Ninja 650 model.
At the same event Kawasaki brought the Ninja HEV. Wearing HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) letters on the Ninja 250’s side fairing, Kawasaki revealed that this new motorbike combines electric and combustion motorbikes and is planned to go on sale in 2024, or a year after the EV version is marketed.
Not many details about the Ninja HEV. However, the figure is based on the parallel-twin engine of either the Ninja 250 or the recently revived Ninja 400.
The Ninja HEV will be equipped with a large electric motor which will be mounted above the gearbox connected to the transmission via a clutch.
Along with the introduction of the pre-production bike, Kawasaki also showcased another new product, an experimental hydrogen-powered motorcycle based on the four-cylinder Ninja H2 model. This is part of Kawasaki’s “Go with Green Power” initiative.
Hydrogen powered motorcycles use direct injection and compressed hydrogen gas for propulsion. Further details regarding the motorbike have not been disclosed by Kawasaki further.
In addition, Kawasaki introduced the Ninja H2 SX sport touring model year 2023 which is paired with new electronic devices.
The Ninja H2 SX MY 2023 has not undergone any radical changes, both aesthetically and mechanically. On the electronics side, the bike gets front and rear radar sensors as standard.
This allows the use of active cruise control, plus blind spot detection. There is also an additional auto high beam as part of the Ninja H2 SX upgrade for the 2023 model.
