Yamaha introduces hybrid technology with the Ray ZR scooter
This techie little runabout has made its debut in India. Would you like to see it here?

It’s very interesting to note that hybrid technology has been around for more than two decades now in the automotive world. However, why is it that every technology never seemed to catch on when it comes to motorcycles? Ever since being green and sustainable became a hip subject in the two wheeled world, fully electric motorcycles but I’m popping up left and right. It’s as if the motorcycle industry skipped the whole hybrid game altogether.
Well, as it would turn out, hybrid technology is beginning to make its presence felt in the motorcycle world. Yamaha for one, has launched a new hybrid scooter in the Indian market. Dubbed the Ray ZR, this innovative scooter makes use of some nifty technology which enables it to be even more fuel efficient than ever before. It makes use of what Yamaha is calling a “Smart Motor Generator”, which is essentially an electric motor which assists the scooter in taking off from a start.

Now, as the scooter picks up speed and momentum, the electric motor shuts off and hands over all propelling duties to the internal combustion engine. This thereby eliminates the added fuel consumption that would otherwise have gone to launching the vehicle from a stop. As you can see, this is slightly different from what we are used to when it comes to hybrid technology in the automotive world. However, it is clear to see why Yamaha went this route, as this scooter has clearly been built to fit a certain budget.
Other than the hybrid system found on the scooter, the Ray ZR also boasts a host of premium, techie features. For one, it gets LED lights, a digital dashboard, and angular, aggressive bodywork. To make things even better, Yamaha has equipped it with Bluetooth smartphone connectivity via the Y-Connect app, just like the NMAX and Aerox we have locally.
With the introduction of hybrid technology in Yamaha’s small displacement scooter lineup, it’ll definitely be interesting to see what Team Blue, as well as the rest of the motorcycle industry, has in store for us when it comes to more efficient and sustainable powertrains.
Tagged Under
Related Articles
-
Is there a place for the Honda CUV e: electric scooter on Philippine roads? / News
The Honda CUV e: has just launched in the UK and Europe, is there a place for it right here in the Philippines?
-
Honda Navi commuter officially launched in the Philippines / News
Honda has officially launched the Navi in the Philippines, with an SRP of P58,900 and P3,000 off until August 31, 2025.
-
Maxed out: Yamaha NMax 125 Tech Max takes home Design Win / News
Yamaha has once again brought home a win at the Red Dot Awards, this time for the NMax 125 Tech Max. This makes it the 14th year in a row the brand has earned a design award.
-
New Yamaha NMAX ‘Turbo’ debuts in Indonesia / News
Yamaha Indonesia has unveiled the NMAX ‘Turbo’ marking the next generation of the popular maxi-scooter.
-
Yamaha is developing advanced anti-dive suspension technology / News
Yamaha is working on an advanced electronic suspension system with anti-dive properties for both track and street use.
Latest News
-
New Moto Morini Alltrhike will go against RE Himalayan and CFMOTO 450MT / News
Moto Morini has launched the Alltrhike in the global market, a 450cc ADV that will challenge the competition.
-
Is there a place for the Honda CUV e: electric scooter on Philippine roads? / News
The Honda CUV e: has just launched in the UK and Europe, is there a place for it right here in the Philippines?
-
Triumph Thruxton 400 set to launch in India in August, coming to PH soon? / News
Triumph is set to launch the new Thruxton 400 in India in August 2025—could it be coming to the Philippines soon?