In October 2021, Kawasaki announced plans to equip the main models of its range with electric/hybrid powertrains by 2035. While the brand will phase out its gasoline vehicles, it will also launch 10 electric and hybrid-electric models by 2025. Kawasaki's plan may seem ambitious, but the company's strategy is further along than most of its competitors.
During a press conference at EICMA 2021, Kawasaki Motors President Hiroshi Ito announced that the brand will introduce three new electric/hybrid models before the end of 2022. Despite the surprising news, this one ci has given the public consistent information about its electric and hybrid electric models. The brand unveiled its first electric model, the Endeavour, in June 2020. Ten months later, in April 2021, patents revealed the hybrid electric developments before the company confirmed the project in October 2021.
Although electric and hybrid prototypes have made headlines in recent years, Kawasaki is still working on a hydrogen engine. The firm had previously filed patents for an engine derived from that of the double-injection H2 in March 2020. This project will serve as the basis for the brand's future hydrogen developments.
Indeed, Kawasaki will continue to develop its direct injection in the H2 engine equipped with double injection – gasoline and hydrogen – with the aim of adapting the technology to the hydrogen version. By combining direct injection with the H2 compressor, the brand believes it can achieve its goal of zero emissions while exceeding current power figures.
Of course, the hydrogen project will require more time to be developed and reach dealerships, but electric and hybrid models can serve as a stopgap in the meantime. Unfortunately, we'll have to wait until Kawasaki officially unveils these three new models in 2022.
