Yamaha Motor is delighted to present the YE-01 Racing Concept, an EV-based Motocross racer being developed in collaboration with strategic partner Electric Motion (EM). The YE-01 Racing Concept will have the aim to contest the electric motocross category, MXEP, a class that will showcase prototype electric bikes at selected FIM Motocross World Championship rounds in the future.

Following successful participation in the EV class of the FIM Trial World Championship with the electric prototype TY-E, as well as participation in the Formula E championship, Yamaha is now ready to take the next step to obtain valuable experience from electric motocross championship MXEP with the YE-01 Racing Concept.

To develop the YE-01 Racing Concept for this activity, Yamaha Motor is collaborating with Electric Motion (EM), Yamaha’s strategic partner since November 2024, following Yamaha Motor’s investment in EM. At its heart, the partnership aims to connect the respective expertise and capabilities of Yamaha and EM to further explore EV-based technologies.

The YE-01 Racing Concept is a live project, and will be further developed with the aim of participating in the new electric motocross category, MXEP, that will be part of the FIM Motocross World Championship calendar in the future. This MXEP class will showcase prototype electric bikes across several rounds in Europe, running alongside MXGP events.

To ensure it delivers the praised Yamaha riding feeling — a feeling of control and stability — the YE-01 Racing Concept benefits from the latest spec, best-in-class chassis shared with the 2026 YZ450F.

Developed specifically for motocross, the YE-01 Racing Concept features a liquid-cooled electric powertrain, capable to offer MXGP levels of power. To bring the electric power delivery as close as possible to the Yamaha ride feel, the motor is paired with a hydraulic clutch, while the battery location ensures an optimized centre of gravity, much like the reverse-head engine layout in the YZ450F does. And following the example of Yamaha’s production bikes, further enhancements to the ride are available through power modes and rider aids.

The development of the YE-01 Racing Concept will continue, and various tests will be performed with Yamaha’s Motocross Test Riders as the project evolves in preparation for the start of the MXEP championship.