Yamaha’s New Electric Scooter Uses Honda Batteries — And That’s the Point

Yamaha has officially launched the Yamaha Jog E, a lightweight electric scooter designed for dense Japanese cities — and the most surprising part of the story is that it runs on Honda’s Mobile Power Pack e: batteries. The new scooter arrives as part of Japan’s nationwide effort to standardize swappable EV batteries, bringing Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki, and Kawasaki into rare harmony.

Introduction

Revealed for the Japanese market, the Yamaha Jog E 2026 is designed for short-range commuting, ultra-smooth acceleration, and easy daily usability. Instead of building around Yamaha’s own battery design, the Jog E uses Honda’s long-standing swappable battery standard — a decision rooted in Japan’s strategy to unify the country’s electric two-wheeler infrastructure.

This scooter represents not just a new product, but a new era of cooperation among Japan’s “Big Four” motorcycle giants.

Key Facts & Specifications

Design and Exterior

The Yamaha Jog E is tailored for city life with a compact frame, low weight, and friendly ergonomics. Yamaha offers two color options:

• Dark gray

• Light gray

The minimalist palette reflects the scooter’s practical nature — clean, simple, and unobtrusively stylish. At just over 205 pounds, it’s light enough for riders of almost any skill level.

Technology and Battery System

The standout feature of the Jog E is not its performance, but its battery-sharing subscription model. The scooter is sold without a battery — instead, riders subscribe to the Gachaco battery-swapping network, allowing them to pick up a charged pack from designated stations.

This system is Japan’s major push toward electrified mobility and relies on a unified battery standard agreed upon by:

• Honda

• Yamaha

• Suzuki

• Kawasaki

Rather than developing a new platform, the industry settled on Honda’s proven Mobile Power Pack e: as the universal module.

Current Gachaco Coverage:

• Tokyo: 42 stations

• Osaka: 7 stations

• Saitama: 2 stations

While still limited, these numbers are expected to grow significantly in the coming years.

For independent users, Yamaha plans to sell standalone batteries and chargers starting in late 2026, giving buyers an alternative to the subscription system.

Performance and Urban Use

Yamaha tuned the Jog E for everyday city commuting. The 1.7 kW motor offers:

• Smooth low-speed acceleration

• Enough power to outperform slow bicycles

• Sufficient range for daily short trips and swap-station hopping

With around 33 miles of real-world range, it’s meant for tight city environments where distances between stops are short and plug-in charging isn’t necessary.

Competitors and Market Position

The Jog E competes with:

• Honda EM1 e:

• Suzuki electric scooters (Japan market)

• Gogoro-based swap scooters (Taiwan)

Its biggest strengths include:

• Battery-swapping convenience

• Industry-standard power pack

• Extremely affordable entry price

Price and Release Date

The Yamaha Jog E retails for $1,050, but this price includes only the scooter itself — the battery requires a Gachaco subscription.

• Release: 2026 rollout

• Markets: Tokyo & Osaka first

• Standalone batteries: Coming late 2026

Conclusion

The Yamaha Jog E 2026 marks a noteworthy moment for Japan’s EV landscape. By using Honda’s modular battery system and embracing a battery-sharing subscription model, Yamaha is betting on collaboration as the key to widespread electric mobility. Lightweight, inexpensive, and smartly engineered for dense cities, the Jog E is one of the most interesting urban EV launches in years — and a sign of how major manufacturers can work together toward a greener future.

FAQ (H3)

When will the Yamaha Jog E be released?

The Jog E is rolling out in 2026, beginning with Tokyo and Osaka.

What is the price of the Yamaha Jog E?

The scooter costs $1,050, but this price includes only the vehicle — the battery requires a separate Gachaco subscription.

How far can the Yamaha Jog E drive on a single charge?

The estimated range is about 33 miles (53 km) using a standard Mobile Power Pack e:.