Hybrid technology is news again with Yamaha as the protagonist, and especially its newly presented propulsion system Sphev (Electric vehicle Hybrid series-parallel). The brand argues that this latest innovation is sought “An electrical technology that makes people smile”. In short, to ensure that economy and ecology are not an impediment to enjoy sensations on a motorcycle.
For this they have announced an Xmax Concept on which they have installed up to three engines, two electric and one of internal combustionin linear position and assisted by a latest generation management system, which is responsible for operating one or the other, or all of them in a combined way, according to the power needs that are required at each moment.
Sphev technology in detail
To tell the truth, it is not the first time that we find a hybrid vehicle that equips this motor configuration, although it is first to see it integrated into a functional concept. In the summer of 2023 we informed you about one of the latest innovations that Honda had registered with up to 11 different patents. The funny thing about the issue is that this technology had already been conceived by the brand two years ago.
The designs showed us a Touring motorcycle equipped with an internal combustion engine, probably the 745 cc sohc parallel bicilindrical that equips the Honda NC750x, accompanied by two three -phase electric motors without brushes. Unlike Yamaha Sphev technology, Honda’s design showed a mechanical configuration where the two electric motors were anchored behind the combustion.
In the case of the XMAX Concept, in which Yamaha seems to have begun to test the Sphev system, the gasoline engine is located in the middle of the two sources of electricity. As explained by the brand itself regarding the general operation: “One of the engines (electric) acts the wheels and the other is connected directly to the engine (conventional) to generate electricity.”
“The main electric motor has two functions: generate electricity and propel (boost wheels). In automatic driving mode, the vehicle starts in EV mode, driven only by the electric motor. By slowing down, regenerative braking recharges the battery. ” If the battery is in low load, then it starts working in hybrid mode. In this way more autonomy and greater softness of operation are achieved.
For its part, if we demand more power, the SPHEV system, using the different driving modes, will cause the internal combustion engine to provide us with sufficient power. About this, Yamaha explains that: “After starting to drive, the engine will start and generate electricity according to the remaining battery charge. At medium and high speeds, the power is transferred from the electric motor to the most efficient engine. “
All this combined with different acceleration modes, where the Sphev system has the Dual Boost, with the main electric motor and internal combustion motor at the same time, and triple boost mode, using the three engines in a combined way. On what types of motorcycle the new Yamaha hybrid technology could equip, the brand explains:
“The SPHEV system, currently in research and development, can be mounted on motorcycles of the same size as those equipped only with conventional engines, achieving a unlimited freedom propulsion system and a wide range performance in a compact package.” Therefore, you have to wonder, will Yamaha have a wide range of models where the Sphev system is implemented in its final version? We will know soon.
