Yamaha unveils three-wheeled electric concept

Japanese automotive giant Yamaha has unveiled an electric three-wheeled vehicle concept.

However, although it promises to be as easy as a car to drive, it will likely still require a motorcycle licence should it come to showrooms. 

Named the Yamaha Tricera, the roof-less buggy is poised to make its public debut at the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo later this month. 

Seemingly bridging the gap between a sports car and a motorcycle, Yamaha refers to the Tricera as an “autocycle” in the media release. 

Yamaha hasn’t revealed any information regarding the powertrain of the electric Tricera, but has detailed the concept’s three-wheeled steering system. 

It’s claimed that this steering system is able to adjust the vehicle’s turning circle through “in-phase” and “counter-phase” movement of the rear wheel. 

This is likely similar to how a traditional four-wheel steering system will turn the rear wheels in an opposite direction to the front wheels to increase low-speed maneuverability. 

At higher speeds, traditionally these systems would turn the rear wheels in the same direction as the front wheels in order to increase high-speed cornering ability, but not compromise stability. 

Four-wheel steering systems have been available in mainstream vehicles since the late 1980s. 

Yamaha also claims a manual mode will also be available for this system, presumably letting drivers take control of which way the rear wheel will steer, and to what degree. 

Renderings of the concept show other details not spoken about in the release such as a digital display in the steering wheel, and a pair of white bucket seats. 

Another rendering seems to show the aerodynamic function of the Tricera, with a pair of panels above the dash moved into an angled position to potentially increase downforce. 

Set to commence on 26 October, Yamaha will unveil the Tricera alongside other concepts at the Japan Mobility Show. 

These include a range of electric motorcycles, scooters, and bicycles, as well as a side by side which makes use of a hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine.