Yamaha is entering the electric future full throttle with the YE-01 Racing Concept, a brand new EV motocross machine that will soon conquer the MXEP class of the FIM Motocross World Championship. Fast, light and completely Yamaha-proof.
Yamaha Motor, in collaboration with the French Electric Motion (EM), has developed the YE-01 Racing Concept, a fully electric dirt bike intended for the new MXEP class. This electric motocross category will become part of the FIM Motocross World Championship in the near future, with prototype EVs treating audiences in Europe to exciting races.
The YE-01 Racing Concept represents a strategic step in Yamaha’s broader ambition towards sustainability. The Japanese brand aims to be CO2 neutral by 2050 throughout the entire life cycle of its products, from production to use. Electrification plays a central role in this, and the experience Yamaha gains with the YE-01 should deliver both technological progress and driving pleasure.
“Our goal is not only to develop electric powertrains, but also to ensure they deliver the same excitement as our traditional Yamaha MX motorcycles,” Yamaha said. With more than 70 years of motorsport experience as a test laboratory, Yamaha wants to use the YE-01 to gather crucial insights for future electric models.
The collaboration with EM, which has been known for its electric off-road and trials motorcycles since 2009, should help Yamaha to bundle the necessary expertise in EV technology. EM’s experience in the Trial World Championship and the FIM E-Xplorer World Cup provides valuable know-how for developing powerful, lightweight and reliably performing electric motocross riders.
Technology and chassis: MXDNA in EV form
The YE-01 Racing Concept is built entirely with the Yamaha riding feeling in mind. The chassis and KYB suspension are derived from the 2026 YZ450F, with a fully adjustable front fork and rear shock that maximize speed, stability and ground contact. The flat saddle and compact design give the rider complete freedom of movement, crucial in the intense cross racing environment.
Under the skin lies a liquid-cooled electric drivetrain that delivers MXGP-worthy power. The YE-01 combines this with a hydraulic clutch to precisely match the power delivery to the Yamaha riding feel. The battery pack is positioned so that the center of gravity is optimal, similar to the layout of the YZ450F. With different riding modes and traction control, the engine can be tailored to all racing conditions, allowing riders to maintain maximum power and grip without sacrificing control.
From prototype to race-ready machine
The YE-01 Racing Concept is currently still in the development phase. Yamaha’s test riders will be conducting extensive testing in the coming months to get the most out of the prototype and fully prepare the bike for the MXEP Championship. The data gained will not only improve the performance of the YE-01, but also form the basis for future electric MX production motorcycles.
With the YE-01 Racing Concept, Yamaha is taking an important step in its electric future, where innovation and driving pleasure go hand in hand. Fans of both traditional and electric motocross can look forward to a new dimension of speed, technique and adrenaline on the MX circuit.
– Thanks for information from Motorfreaks.