Yamaha YE-01 – Kando at the MXoN
Yamaha announced a late decision (September 25, 2026) to display and conduct an exhibition run of its YE-01 Racing Concept at the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations 2026 (MXoN 2026) at Ernée, France, (2-4 October).
Yamaha displayed and ran the electric prototype on the track alongside Honda's CR ELECTRIC PROTO during joint demonstration laps over the MXoN weekend.
On Yamaha's part, this initiative is aimed at eventual participation in MXEP, an electric motocross racing series scheduled to launch in the near future. Honda is no doubt also eying the MXEP as a competition platform for its electric off-roaders.
Jointly designed with French electric motorcycle manufacturer, Electric Motion SAS (EM), it has been developed under Yamaha's "Expanding the Possibilities of Riders and Machines" concept. Founded in 2009 by Philippe Arnuad and Philippe Arestan (near Nimes in southern France), the EM brand's motorcycles are said to be sold in some 40 markets worldwide with around 85% of production exported.
The core focus for EM is electric trials and off-road competition motorcycles, including competition-ready and leisure trials bikes like the Epure and Escape ranges. EM recently unveiled the EP01 enduro prototype to expand into the competitive electric enduro category.
Yamaha Motor Company secured a minority equity investment in Electric Motion SAS to collaborate on EV powertrain technology and sustainable off-road competition. The YE-01 Racing Concept blends Yamaha YZ450F chassis tech with EM electric power units and was first shown at EICMA 2025.
Through its Group Environmental Plan 2050, Yamaha is working toward achieving carbon neutrality throughout its entire supply chain, including the Company's business activities, by 2050.
"As the Kando creating company, Yamaha Motor will continue delivering greater excitement and enjoyment to customers through its products and services that harness the unique appeals of electric power. Kando is a Japanese word for the simultaneous feelings of deep satisfaction and intense excitement that we experience when we encounter something of exceptional value."
