Yamaha Tricera: The Innovative Three-Wheeled Electric Vehicle Making Waves at the 2023 JMS

Unique Electric 3-Wheeler - The 2023 Japan Mobility Show serves as a pivotal indicator for the automotive industry in Asia and on a global scale. Taking center stage at Tokyo Big Sight is Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., unveiling its innovative electric concept vehicle known as the Yamaha Tricera, boasting a distinctive three-wheel design. The prototype embodies the concept of "Exciting Urban Mobility," uniting the body, mind, and machine into a seamless riding experience.

The Yamaha Tricera embodies the concept of "Exciting Urban Mobility," uniting the body, mind, and machine into a seamless riding experience. (Picture from: Oto)

But what precisely is the Yamaha Tricera? In various regions, three-wheeled vehicles often fall into the motorbike category. Nevertheless, many of these three-wheelers share more similarities with cars than conventional motorcycles. However, Yamaha's electric tricycle presents a unique twist, setting it apart from both cars and traditional motorbikes.

The Yamaha Tricera electric tricycle presents a unique twist, setting it apart from both cars and traditional motorbikes. (Picture from: MotorPlus)

Examining its structure, it adopts a delta trike design, featuring two front wheels and a single rear wheel – a configuration unlike any other. Notably, it incorporates a rack and pinion steering system at the front, and surprisingly, the rear wheel can swivel when navigating exceptionally tight corners.

The Yamaha Tricera electric tricycle design has an open roof structure that eliminates doors, instead, a seat cushion is used to secure its rider and passenger. (Picture from: Oto)

The Tricera offers both automatic and manual steering modes for its rear wheels. According to the manufacturer, this new system not only enhances the driving experience but also imparts a sense of achievement as drivers master the art of maneuvering. The vehicle sports an open-roof structure, devoid of doors and accommodating only two seats.

The Yamaha Tricera electric tricycle fitted with two tiny aero screens, also the air flowing mechanism beneath the hood to avoid the worst of the wind can throw at you. (Picture from: IWB)

Yamaha boasts a rich history of more than three decades in the realm of light electric vehicles. Notably, they introduced the world's first modern commercial electric bicycle. While it remains uncertain whether the Yamaha Tricera will transition into production, it's worth noting that electric three-wheelers have been around in various forms, albeit less flashy. Detailed specifications for the Tricera will be unveiled at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show.

The Yamaha Tricera electric tricycle has three-wheel steering, with rack and pinion steering at the front supported by the rear axle for better maneuverability. (Picture from: MotorPlus)

Now, let's address a long time pressing question: why hasn't Yamaha ventured into car manufacturing, akin to Honda and Suzuki? Actually Yamaha had dabbled in producing cars, even had showcased it as the Yamaha Sports Ride Concept at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, although it never materialized into a production vehicle.

Yamaha Sports Ride Concept is a mid-engined sports car concept, and debuted at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show. (Picture from: Oto)

Yamaha Motor Corporation in Japan has indeed collaborated on the development of large engines for cars, notably with automakers like Lexus. Moreover, they've entered into global partnerships with Toyota, its compatriot automotive giant. Notably, Toyota holds a 5 percent stake in Yamaha, and vice versa. 

This collaborative relationship might be a key factor influencing Yamaha's decision not to delve into car manufacturing, choosing instead to focus on their expertise in the motorbike and light electric vehicle segment.

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and stay alive with true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | YAMAHA | ID.MOTOR1 | CARSCOOPS ]