New Yamaha Hybrid

It was only a matter of time before motorcycling got a hybrid vehicle, and apparently that time has arrived.  Yamaha and Toyota are working on a motorcycle that reports indicate will bear the imaginative name “Prius”.

Yamaha Prius Hybrid Motorcycle

The “Prius” will be powered by a 250cc single-cylinder gas motor, as well as an electric power plant.  The gas engine will either power the drivetrain, or recharge the batteries, as needed.

From the pictures, it also looks like more of a scooter than a motorcycle, but this is the first low-emissions vehicle that doesn’t appear to be crippled with an electric-only engine with a short range.

Also, judging from the photo, it appears to have a shaft drive and an automatic transmission. So, I guess the final verdict on this is that it’s a hybrid scooter, rather than a hybrid motorcycle.

But, it’s probably only a matter of time until we see more of these.