Honda Motor Company plans to establish a dedicated electric motorcycle factory in India by 2028, said Daiki Mihara, the head of the Motorcycle and Power Products Electrification Business Unit, in a media interaction in Japan.
- Honda is working on a range of electric bikes
- Exploring commuters and ‘fun EV models’
- Products will have fixed or swappable batteries
The company will likely build the plant in Karnataka, in addition to its existing two-wheeler factory in Narasapura on the outskirts of Bengaluru. While the primary aim is to meet the growing domestic demand, Honda may use it as an export hub to cater to similar emerging markets, which expect more accessible price points.
“We will start with a commuter bike with a 4kWh battery comparable to 100cc bikes. Exporting them is also an option. We can produce electric bikes similar to midsize bikes there,” said Mihara.
This factory will make a variety of models by combining different modules. Additionally, Honda is working with battery manufacturers to develop specifications tailored to motorcycle characteristics and ensure stable procurement. It is also promoting the secondary use of batteries to achieve carbon neutrality, informed Mihara.
Honda eyeing top spot in electric motorcycles
Despite being a late entrant in the electric vehicle market, Honda has set itself the ambitious target of being India’s number one electric motorcycle maker.
“Moving forward, we will continue to leverage the strengths cultivated through ICE technology to introduce new EVs, including models with fixed batteries. In India’s largest market, we aim to achieve the number one position in the electric segment by implementing various initiatives,” announced Mihara.
Honda aims to offer EVs in a price range where the total cost of ownership over three years would be comparable to that of ICE vehicles.
Dedicated electric motorcycle brand
Mihara said electric motorcycles are not limited to the commuting segment; the first one will be a sports model based on the EV Fun concept.
“Honda plans to unveil (the production version of) this unique electric motorcycle later this year. With this model, we aim to launch a new product brand for electric motorcycles, establishing a distinct Honda Electric brand,” informed Mihara.
30 electric 2W models by 2030, 4 million units in annual sales
Honda is strategically proceeding with plans to introduce 30 electric two-wheeler models globally by 2030, aiming to increase its annual two-wheeler EV sales to 4 million units by then. Of these 30 models, Honda has already introduced 13 internationally, making steady progress.
In November, the company announced two electric scooters designed exclusively for India – the Activa e:, powered by two portable batteries, swappable at Honda Mobile Power Pack Exchanger e: stations, and the QC1, powered by a fixed battery.
Earlier in the same month, Honda had unveiled two electric two-wheeler concepts at EICMA 2024: the EV Fun Concept, its first electric sports model, and the EV Urban Concept, which embodies the automaker’s vision of urban mobility in the near future. The global model CUV e:, with which the Activa e: has many mechanical similarities, was also unveiled at EICMA 2024. Honda plans to sell it in 20 countries, including those in Europe.
The top management said that by offering various electric models that accommodate increasingly diverse customer needs, Honda will strive to become the leader in the electric motorcycle market.
From swapping to fixed batteries
The Honda Mobile Power Pack e:, which powers the CUV e: and Activa e:, is a detachable, portable battery. It is also supplied for use in other manufacturers’ motorcycles and is being increasingly adopted across various products, including construction and agricultural machinery.
Honda will initially launch the battery-swapping service in Bengaluru, Delhi and Mumbai. Mihara claimed that it would enable riders to swap batteries and enjoy the Activa e: without concerns about charging time or running out of battery power.
The company will leverage its sales network of 6,000 outlets across India to ensure customers can use its products with peace of mind, enabling comprehensive service and parts supply. Parallely, it will work on fixed battery solutions by building an extensive network to expand the charging infrastructure across the country.
Eye on circularity
Mihara said Honda is collaborating with OMC Power, a company specialising in distributed power and grid solutions in India, to repurpose used Honda Mobile Power Pack e: units as power supply devices in regions with unstable electricity and non-electrified areas.
“This initiative aims to support power supply for small shops and schools in the region. Ultimately, we strive to establish a circular value chain, including recycling precious metals and other materials,” he added.
With inputs from KIRAN MURALI
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