JMS 2025: Yamaha showcases Proto BEV

MANILA: Yamaha Motor Company, Limited has presented the Proto BEV at the ongoing Japan Mobility Show (JMS) 2025.

Of note, the said concept model completes the trifecta of prototypes (which include the Proto HEV and Proto PHEV) showcased at the annual motoring expo.

Per the Hamamatsu-headquartered motorcycle manufacturer, the working concept was created around the idea of “fun that can only be experienced with a large-capacity battery EV (electric vehicle).”

The company noted — during an exclusive discussion with select motoring journalists — that while small electric bikes do help further carbon neutrality, large ones will be able to offer a more fun experience, and possibly go beyond seeing electric motorcycles as just sustainable transport modes.

On that premise, the Yamaha Proto BEV was born.

Proto BEV projected benefits

With the goal of building a fun electric supersport motorcycle, Yamaha Motor Company, Limited is working to better understand and master the characteristics of an electric power unit.

“We wanted to create an easy-to-use supersport EV that would offer a new kind of fun when riding on winding roads,” the company said.

On that note, one of the electric bike’s advantages is its impressive power and its ability to offer would-be owners a motorcycle with a torque that’s easy to handle. Since it is propelled by an electric motor instead of a traditional gasoline-fed engine, it bypasses the combustion process, resulting in near-instantaneous acceleration with torque delivered from zero revolutions per minute through to the top end.

According to the manufacturer, torque maps can be adjusted “at will.”

This characteristic would give riders a pleasurable experience when conquering corners, assuming that the electric motor is capable enough to supply power for quick exits from bends and hairpins while sustaining torque across the rev range. The linear throttle response innate with EVs also helps.

In addition, the Yamaha Proto BEV is equipped with a battery that offers design flexibility, as the module arrangement makes controlling the shape of the battery pack possible.

The concept motorbike shown to Zigwheels Philippines (alongside selected media correspondents prior to JMS 2025) has a design closely leaning towards the looks of models like the YZF-R1M or the YZF-R7. Hence, its battery was fitted where a conventional engine would sit — under the fuel tank and in betwixt the rider’s thighs.

Per Yamaha Motor Company, Limited, the prototype has a “similar center of gravity, comparable frame and swingarm rigidity, and comparable front and rear suspension and brake specifications” to its large supersport bikes with an internal combustion engine, which allows the Proto BEV to keep its dynamic handling.

Finally, since it has an electric motor, it produces less vibration and sound.

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Future plans

Going forward, Yamaha Motor Company, Limited, noted that it will evolve and optimize various components of the Proto BEV.

The company also looks to make improvements with space and efficiency, such as a longer range and probably a more compact body.

Tested formula

The Yamaha Proto BEV is not the company’s first foray into making fun-to-ride electric motorcycles. In fact, for some time now, the motorcycle manufacturer has been competing with the TY-E electric trial motorcycle.

Development for the Yamaha TY-E started in 2018. It was used to compete in the FIM Trial E-Cup the same year and won second overall. The following year, it finished in the same overall position.

In 2022, the Yamaha TY-E 2.0 was birthed. It competed in the same year as a wildcard entry at the FIM Trial World Championship Trial 2 Class. The year after, the TY-E 2.1 was made and was crowned third overall at the 2023 All Japan Trial Championship AI Super Class.

Last year, Yamaha Motor Company, Limited developed the TY-E 2.2, which placed second overall at the 2024 All Japan Trial Championship AI Super Class.

In 2025, the company unleashed the Yamaha TY-E 3.0, which earned the marque the top spot at the All Japan Trial Championship AI Super Class.

Also read: 

Yamaha Motor PH celebrates YClub’s 15th anniversary with moto expo

Yamaha Motor Company showcases self-balancing tech

Here’s a sneak peek at the JMS 2025-bound electrified prototypes from Yamaha

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