New Honda electric motorcycle production plant to start in 2028: Here’s what we know – Bike News

Honda stepped into the world of EVs recently with the launch of two electric scooters: Activa e and QC1 in November 2024. The Japanese auto giant isn’t planning to stop at just these two models with more battery-powered two-wheelers on cards for the Indian market in the future. 

As of now, the two electric scooters are being manufactured in the existing Honda’s Narsapura facility in Kolar, Karnataka. During a recent press briefing in Tokyo, Honda confirmed the development of electric motorcycles in the future. The electric motorcycles will be manufactured out of a brand new facility which is set to kickstart by 2028.

Honda electric motorcycles manufacture in India

In the same briefing, Daiki Mihara: Operating Executive, Head of the Motorcycle and Power Products Electrification Business Unit, said, “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 (India)”. While Honda is looking to establish itself in the electric two-wheeler market of India in the coming years, the company also intends to make India the export hub of EVs to other developing and price-sensitive markets.

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Globally, Honda has set a target of introducing 30 battery-powered two-wheelers by the end of this decade. Out of this, 13 models have already been introduced in different countries. Honda’s primary aim is to bring down the total ownership cost of electric two-wheelers as compared to petrol-powered vehicles over the next three years.

Despite being a late entrant in the electric two-wheeler market, Honda has set itself the ambitious target of being India’s number one electric motorcycle brand. To achieve this, Honda needs to democratise its battery-powered lineup keeping the masses in mind. Moreover, Honda will strengthen after-sales services and maintenance by leveraging the industry’s largest sales network consisting of 6,000 dealership locations throughout India. 

In addition, with the plan to continue introducing more electric models powered by a fixed battery, Honda will leverage its broad sales network to enhance the battery charging network, which will eliminate customer anxiety of running out of battery power.

Earlier in EICMA 2024, Honda unveiled two fully-electric concept two-wheelers named EV Fun and EV Urban. While the former is a motorcycle, the latter is a maxi scooter. Not much is known about either of these two models yet. The EV Fun Concept is the first naked electric sports bike from Honda which is equipped with a fixed battery pack.

The company claims “it offers performance equivalent to a mid-sized internal combustion engine (ICE) motorcycle”. A production version of the same is projected to make its global debut sometime later this year. Honda has confirmed that it will offer a range of around 100 km on a single charge. Further, the battery is compatible with the CCS2 quick charger. 

Honda battery packs: Fixed and Swappable

Honda is developing both Fixed and Swappable battery packs for its upcoming two-wheelers. While Active e gets a swappable battery, the QC1 is powered by a fixed battery pack. The company began offering a battery sharing service in India through its local subsidiary, Honda Power Pack Energy India Pvt. Ltd. (HEID), for the further popularization of electric motorcycle models powered by swappable batteries. 

In India, the battery swapping infrastructure has been introduced in three major Indian cities, namely Bengaluru, Delhi NCR, and Mumbai. Additionally, for batteries, Honda has been working with battery manufacturers to establish specifications suited to the characteristics of motorcycles and ensure stable procurement.

With inputs from Roshun Povaiah