HWith the 2026 Electric World Championship announced, MXEP has been put on hold. Yamaha Motor is already showcasing the foundation for its future MXEP motorcycle with the development of the YE-01 Racing Concept.
Yamaha Motor proudly presents the YE-01 Racing Concept, an EV technology-based MX competition motorcycle. This prototype was developed in collaboration with the French Electric Motion (EM)Electric Motion has been a strategic partner of Yamaha for some time now. The YE-01 Racing Concept aims to participate in the new electric MX category MXEP, a class in which prototypes of electric motorcycles will be seen during several rounds of the FIM WK Motocross.
Towards CO2 neutrality by 2050
As part of its environmental objectives, yamaha Motor to CO2 neutrality across the entire life cycle of its products — including production and business operations — 2050To achieve this, Yamaha invests in research and development of technologies that contribute to sustainability and electrification. Here follows the Japanese brand follows the a multi-path approach towards carbon neutrality. As the powered two-wheeler market continues to evolve, Yamaha continues to market acceptance en technological advancement closely monitor EV solutions.
Driving pleasure as the core
Beyond technology, Yamaha remains true to its core philosophy: enriching people's lives with vehicles that make your heart beat faster and the best possible driving experience offer. That is why Yamaha not only wants to develop electric propulsion, but also wants to guarantee that these engines offer the same emotion, control and satisfaction offer as their combustion engines.
Motorsport as a test laboratory for innovation
More than 70 years Yamaha uses motorsports as testplatform to develop and refine new technologies. This strategy has yielded numerous technical breakthroughs and innovations up. After previous successes in the EV class of the FIM Trial World Championship met de elektrische TY-E and participation in the Formula E Championship, Yamaha is now taking the next step. With the YE-01 Racing Concept the brand wants to gain valuable experience within the MXEP World Championship.
Goal of the YE-01 Racing Concept
Racing the YE-01 Racing Concept in the MXEP class has several goals: to strengthen Yamaha's technical expertise, improving the driving experience, and the collection of data and insights for future electrical projects.
Collaboration with Electric Motion
For this project, Yamaha is collaborating with Electric Motion (EM). Since November 2024, EM has been a strategic partners from Yamaha Motor. The partnership brings together the expertise van Yamaha in motorsport with the EM's experience in electric off-road motorcycles to further develop EV technologies.
Since its founding in 2009, EM has strengthened its position in the off-road world with a range of electric trial and off-road models, good for impressive results in the Trial World Championship and the FIM E-Xplorer World Cup, the leading racing series for electric off-road motorcycles. EM has also sold more than 6.000 electric motorcycles since its inception.
Advanced technology and driving experience
The YE-01 Racing Concept combines innovative technologies from both Yamaha and EM. To achieve the typical Yamaha riding feeling To ensure — characterized by control, balance and stability — the YE-01 uses the chassis of the 2026 YZ450F. The fully adjustable, speed-sensitive KYB suspension (front and rear) provides exceptional contact and shock absorption, allowing the rider to perform longer and more consistently. The slim, streamlined design and the flat saddle, inspired by the YZ450F, also ensure optimum freedom of movement.
Electric drive with MXGP performance
The YE-01 Racing Concept is equipped with a liquid-cooled electric drivetrain, specially designed for motocross and capable of MXGP level power to be delivered. The engine block is coupled to a hydraulic coupling to make the power delivery feel natural and confident, in line with Yamaha's signature riding dynamics.
De battery is strategically placed for an optimal center of gravity, similar to the layout of the inverted cylinder head at the YZ450F. Via power modes en driver assistance systems as traction control allows the rider to fine-tune the engine for any condition — maximizing traction, power and feel.
Future development and testing
Development of the YE-01 Racing Concept continues with intensive testing by Yamaha's MX test riders, in preparation for the start of the MXEP championshipYamaha thus confirms its commitment to play a leading role in the electric age as well. future of motocross.
Photos: Yamaha
