Honda Targeting Electric Motorcycle Factory In India By 2028
Honda Motor Company intends to open a specialized electric motorbike facility in India by 2028. In addition to its current two-wheeler facility in Narasapura, on the outskirts of Bengaluru, the business is probably going to construct the plant in Karnataka. Honda may utilise it as an export hub to serve comparable emerging regions, which want more affordable prices, even if the main goal is to satisfy the rising local demand.
This factory will combine several components to create a range of models. In order to guarantee reliable procurement and provide specifications relevant to motorcycle features, Honda is also collaborating with battery producers. According to Mihara, it is also encouraging the secondary usage of batteries in order to attain carbon neutrality.
Honda has set the lofty goal of being the leading manufacturer of electric motorcycles in India, despite its late entry into the electric vehicle industry. 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
In order to boost its yearly two-wheeler EV sales to 4 million units by 2030, Honda is moving forward with plans to launch 30 electric two-wheeler models worldwide. Honda has made solid progress, introducing 13 of these 30 vehicles abroad thus far.In November, the firm unveiled two electric scooters made specifically for India: the QC1, which runs on a permanent battery, and the Activa e:, which runs on two portable batteries that can be switched at Honda Mobile Power Pack Exchanger e: stations.
At EICMA 2024 last year, Honda debuted two electric two-wheeler concepts: the EV Urban Concept, which represents the automaker’s vision for urban transportation in the near future, and the EV Fun Concept, which is its first electric sports vehicle. At EICMA 2024, the worldwide model CUV e:—with which the Activa e: shares many mechanical characteristics—was also presented. It will be sold by Honda in 20 countries, including Europe.According to the company’s senior management, Honda plans to dominate the electric motorbike industry by providing a range of electric models that meet the ever-changing wants of its clientele.
The CUV e: and Activa e: are powered by the Honda Mobile Power Pack e:, a portable, detachable battery. It is also supplied for use in bikes made by other manufacturers and is becoming more and more common in a variety of applications, including as agricultural and construction equipment.
The battery-swapping service will be introduced by Honda first in Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai. It would allow users to switch out batteries and still enjoy the Activa e without worrying about battery drain or charging time. To guarantee that consumers can use its goods with confidence, the business will make use of its 6,000 retail locations throughout India, which will allow for extensive service and parts supply. In parallel, it will create a vast network to increase the nation’s charging infrastructure in order to work on fixed battery solutions.
