Yamaha Tricera electric three-wheeler offers best of both worlds

Yamaha has debuted what it calls a ‘three-wheel open-top electric autocycle’ at the Japan Mobility Show, with the new vehicle formally known as the Tricera.

Designed as a motorcycle in terms of is commercial intent, the 2023 Yamaha Tricera is all about blending fun and engaging personal mobility with autonomous driving technology, albeit it primarily at an urban level.

Powering the unique-looking three-wheeler is a so far undetailed battery-electric drivetrain while a dual-axle steering system ensures maximum manoeuvrability in town and agility on the open road.

Yamaha hasn’t gone into much detail about the Tricera’s autonomous driving capabilities or performance but has stipulated the vehicle can be piloted manually, with the steering wheel doubling as the instrument cluster.

It’s clear from the promotional images the Tricera will be able to hit at least highway speeds going by its integrated wind deflectors positioned in front of the driver and passenger seats which simply fold up and out of the body work to prevent the wind creating a vertically gifted Sha Pei by the end of the journey.

But that’s exactly what Yamaha is after – the replication of the raw and simplistic charm of riding a motorcycle and instilling it in a unique and perhaps less intimidating package for the next generation.

“This vehicle for personal mobility not only delivers the unparalleled feeling of freedom of an open-top car but also a new Kando-filled driving experience with its three-wheel steering,” Yamaha said.

“The Tricera’s human-centric packaging was derived from the level of controllability felt when changing the centre point of the vehicle’s turning circle via the in-phase and counter-phase of the rear wheel.”

Kando is the Japanese word for the simultaneous feelings of deep satisfaction and intense excitement that we experience when we encounter something of exceptional value.

“Modern mobility is shifting toward automated driving, but that is precisely why Yamaha Motor is going back to basics and exploring the Kando that is created when a person is at the controls,” the brand said.

It’s unclear at this stage if the Tricera will actually make production.