Honda Two Wheels has outlined its global carbon-neutral strategy for 2022, which includes launching a slew of new electric motorcycles and scooters by the end of the decade. Honda’s electric two-wheeler strategy appears to be very proactive, with the manufacturer launching not only affordable electric scooters and mopeds but also high-performance electric motorcycles. The latter is a segment that has yet to be explored by mainstream players.
Shinji Aoyama, director and senior managing director of Honda Motor Co., was quoted by a Japanese publication as saying that the upcoming “fun” electric motorcycle would be the equivalent of a 500 or 750 cc twin-cylinder engine. Though not like the Honda CBR650 series, expect a middleweight electric motorcycle with a more focus on fun while keeping it under control for everyday use. Tsingshan also said that it will be an upgraded version of the electric two-wheeler for commuting that the company is developing.
Also read: Honda to launch 2 electric two-wheelers with swappable batteries in India by FY2024
Currently, there are very few details about the upcoming high-performance electric motorcycle. But Honda could explore a modular frame that yields multiple body styles, just like its existing ICE platform. Based on the company’s timeline, we expect to hear more about these motors as early as 2024 or 2025. Meanwhile, Honda will roll out a range of other electrified products to various markets, including India.
Honda is banking on emerging markets, including China, ASEAN and India, to boost sales of its electric two-wheelers by the end of the decade. The company expects to sell about 1 million electric motorcycles over the next five years and 3.5 million a year by 2030, equivalent to about 15% of its total global sales.
Honda Two Wheelers India has confirmed plans to launch its first electric two-wheeler by the end of FY2024. Upcoming electric products will get swappable and fixed battery options. The electric two-wheelers will be produced at Honda’s Narsapura plant in Karnataka state and are planned for export. The company is already building a swappable battery infrastructure. While Honda has yet to reveal what its first electric two-wheeler in India will be, speculation suggests the model will be an Activa-based electric scooter.
First published date: April 29, 2023 at 15:06 PM CST
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