Hybrid race cars and electric Yamaha mopeds for Toyota’s drivers at Le Mans 24 Hours

Yamaha EC-03 at Le Mans 24 Hours test day

Yamaha EC-03 at Le Mans 24 Hours test dayFor a race driver, it’s always better to work for a large car manufacturer, because besides a paycheck, he will get several advantages, like a company car. There will be something more for the upcoming 24 Hours of Le Mans: electric mopeds. They’re from Yamaha, a long time partner of Toyota, which will provide a fleet of 16 Yamaha EC-03 to the team. Those small 2-wheelers will be the least powerful vehicles in the pits, but they’re perfectly silent, and probably also relaxing after the sound and fury of a race car. Race drivers will be able to use them to go the restaurant, but will they enjoy them?

The Yamaha EC-03 is a strictly urban vehicle, and a poor performer by any standard. Peak motor output is a modest 1400 watts, continuous power is only 580 watts. The Yamaha EC-03 is well-built and comes with a pretty slick design. It can appeal to some urban dwellers, but to a race driver? That would be a first, but at the very least, it’s worth trying.

The Yamaha EC-03 costs €2490 in France.

One thought on “Hybrid race cars and electric Yamaha mopeds for Toyota’s drivers at Le Mans 24 Hours”

  1. Al Bunzel

    It’s about time Electric Mopeds are used in the paddock.

    This moped is simple, functional and practical. A step in the right direction.

    Now, we have to get the race cars to be electric.