In an exciting development for India's EV market, Honda Motor Company has announced plans to establish a dedicated electric motorcycle production plant in India by 2028. This groundbreaking facility will focus on manufacturing a wide range of electric two-wheelers, designed to meet the growing demand for eco-friendly commuting options.
The plant is expected to be located in Karnataka, mirroring Honda's existing two-wheeler factory in Narasapura, near Bengaluru. While the primary objective is to serve India's expanding domestic market, the company also envisions using the plant as an export hub for other emerging markets that demand affordable electric options.
Focusing on Affordable Electric Commuter Bikes
Honda’s initial focus will be on producing electric commuter bikes equipped with a 4 kWh battery, which is comparable to a 100cc conventional bike. This strategy could open up export opportunities, with Honda looking to manufacture mid-size electric bikes at the new plant. The company is also collaborating with battery manufacturers to create customized batteries tailored to the unique needs of electric motorcycles, ensuring a stable supply chain for these critical components.
Furthermore, Honda is committed to sustainability, exploring ways to use batteries in secondary applications to help achieve its carbon-neutral goals.
Targeting Leadership in India's Electric Motorcycle Market
Although Honda is a latecomer to India’s electric vehicle (EV) scene, it has set a bold target of becoming the number one electric motorcycle maker in the country. The company aims to introduce various EV models in India, including those with fixed batteries. By offering electric bikes that are competitively priced, Honda plans to make the total cost of ownership over three years comparable to that of internal combustion engine (ICE) bikes.
“We are determined to leverage the strengths honed through our ICE technology to introduce innovative EVs,” said Mihara, Honda's spokesperson, reflecting the company’s ambitious push to dominate the electric segment.
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Global Expansion Plans: 30 Models and 4 Million Units by 2030
Honda is setting its sights on global expansion with plans to introduce 30 electric motorcycle models by 2030, with the goal of achieving 4 million units in annual sales. The company considers 2024 the year of electric globalization, marking its full-scale entry into the electric motorcycle market. In October 2024, Honda launched two global electric models in Indonesia—the CUV e and ICON e, powered by swappable and fixed batteries, respectively. These models will be sold in 20 countries, including key markets like Europe and Japan.
In addition, Honda recently unveiled two electric motorcycles exclusively designed for India: the ACTIVA e and the QC1. As part of its broader global strategy, Honda introduced 13 models as part of the 30-model target, making significant progress towards its ambitious goals.
At the EICMA 2024, Honda showcased two innovative electric motorcycle concepts: the EV Fun Concept, Honda's first electric sports model, and the EV Urban Concept, which embodies the company's vision for future urban mobility. These concepts demonstrate Honda's commitment to a diverse range of electric models that cater to varying customer needs.
Conclusion
Honda’s vision is clear: to lead the electric motorcycle market by offering a broad spectrum of models tailored to customer demands. With a robust strategy in place, the company is on track to revolutionize the two-wheeler industry and play a pivotal role in India’s electric mobility future.
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