Yamaha Motor Europe has announced a couple of new developments which can be loosely grouped under the “electric mobility” heading. Firstly, the Japanese firm has opened a new e-bicycle Drive Unit assembly line at its factory in Saint Quentin, France. The new manufacturing plant will assemble the firm’s high-tech PW series S2 motor/pedal unit, used on its high-volume sports and trail bike range. It’s a notable step, with Yamaha bringing back manufacturing to a European Union-based factory rather than China or South East Asia.
Heiji Maruyama, managing executive officer and director for Yamaha Motor, seals the deal with Mark Preston, motorsport director at LolaAt the other end of the performance landscape, Yamaha has signed a technical partnership agreement with legendary racing chassis manufacturer Lola Cars to develop high-performance electric single-seater racers for the Formula E World Championship. Lola will be producing a race car chassis for Formula E teams, with Yamaha developing and supplying the electric powertrain.
Neither of the moves are directly linked to electric motorcycle or scooter development – but both will presumably provide Yamaha with plenty of insights and experience into general battery-powered EV technologies and production.