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Kawasaki motorbikes to go electric by 2035

Oct 07, 2021 (NHK) - Japanese motorbike maker Kawasaki Heavy Industries says it's shifting its product lineup to more environmentally friendly, electric powered models.

The company says most of its bikes for developed markets will be electrified by 2035.

In the meantime, the firm plans to release at least 10 battery-powered models, including gasoline-electric hybrids, by 2025.

The firm is also working on new engines fueled by hydrogen.

Kawasaki president Hashimoto Yasuhiko said one challenge for electric-powered motorcycles is the importance of traditional engine sounds and vibrations to many riders. He says Kawasaki wants to keep offering such pleasures, while meeting the requirements of a carbon neutral society.

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A tropical depression east of Guam and Saipan is expected to strengthen into a typhoon within 12 hours and approach Japan during the Silver Week holiday period, while a lingering autumn rain front could bring heavy rainfall across a wide area even far from the storm's eventual path.

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