Honda PCX Hybrid: The first mass-produced hybrid scooter

MANILA: Electric motorcycles/scooters are not a thing of the future anymore. There are many of them available in the market right now and their variety is only going to increase with time. Just like electric two-wheelers have become a reality, Honda is the first manufacturer to make hybrid two-wheelers see the light of the day. The Japanese manufacturer has finally announced that it is going ahead with the mass production of its first-ever hybrid scooter, the PCX Hybrid.

It was at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show where Honda revealed the concept of PCX Hybrid. Since then it was taken away from the limelight. Now, after months of the revelation, Honda stirred the two-wheeler industry by announcing its PCX Hybrid. As per the reports, as of now, Honda is going to launch and sell the PCX Hybrid only in Japan. It’s scheduled to go on sale on 14 Sept 2018.

The Honda PCX Hybrid will be powered by a 125cc, single-cylinder petrol engine that produces 12.1 PS of max power. There’s also an electric motor that draws its power from a 48-volt lithium battery and churns out 2 PS of max power. This makes the PCX Hybrid have a total of 14 PS of power.

Honda has given the PCX Hybrid two motor assist modes - D and S. The ‘D’ mode is for comfortable riding with light assist and improved fuel efficiency, whereas the ‘S’ mode is for a sportier ride and provides a stronger assist. At present, the PCX Hybrid can’t be run on pure electric power.

With the added battery and an electric motor, the PCX Hybrid is, obviously, a bit heavy than the standard PCX 150. But still, Honda claims that it’s capable of achieving a fuel efficiency of 55 kmpl with two astride.

Other features that are available with the new PCX Hybrid include Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), LED headlight, LED tail light, a SMART Key System, etc. Even after putting the batteries under the seat, Honda has successfully provided 23-litres of under seat storage space.

Perhaps, after analyzing the sales of the PCX Hybrid in Japan, Honda would start launching it in other international markets as well. With a price tag of Yen 4,32,000 in Japan, the PCX Hybrid, if launched here, would cost approximately Php 2,05,823.