Yamaha has introduced the XMax series-parallel hybrid scooter concept internationally, integrating a single-cylinder engine with an electric motor. The company states that the XMax SHEV concept can operate either on electric power alone or alongside the petrol engine.
Source : Yamaha Official Website
The scooter’s engine and gearbox are conventionally placed, with the electric motor positioned ahead of the engine and the battery located beneath the rider’s feet. However, these additional components are expected to add extra weight to the scooter. This is evident in the inclusion of twin front disc brakes—unlike Yamaha’s other single-cylinder maxi-scooters, which generally feature a single front disc brake.
Yamaha has opted for a series-parallel hybrid system, akin to Kawasaki’s Ninja 7 Hybrid. This means the XMax hybrid concept can function as a standard scooter with electric motor assistance (parallel hybrid) or allow the engine to recharge the battery, acting as a range extender (series hybrid).
While Yamaha has been testing this prototype for a while, exact details remain undisclosed. The company has not specified the engine capacity, only confirming it is a single-cylinder unit. Considering Yamaha’s global lineup, which includes 125cc and 300cc single-cylinder engines, the 300cc variant seems more plausible. The larger engine would help balance out the added hybrid system weight while also justifying the anticipated price premium over conventional ICE models.
At this stage, Yamaha has not clarified whether the XMax SHEV concept is purely an experimental design or if it will advance to mass production.
