Honda to Launch 10 Electric Two-Wheelers: What You Need to Know

Honda Motor Company, one of the world's leading automotive manufacturers, recently announced its ambitious plan to launch ten new electric vehicles (EVs) in the next five years. As part of this initiative, Honda will launch its first electric scooter, the Electric Activa, in 2024. This announcement marks Honda's major push towards electrification and reflects its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. In this article, we will explore Honda's plan to launch these new EVs, its impact on the automotive industry, and what the Electric Activa could mean for the future of electric scooters.

Honda Plans 10 2W EVs

Honda, the renowned Japanese automaker, is all set to venture into the Indian electric two-wheeler market with a bang. The company is reportedly developing 10 different electric vehicles (EVs) that cater to a wide range of customer bases. With different speeds, ranges, body types, styles, features, and prices, Honda's upcoming EVs are designed to be a one-stop shop for all electric two-wheeler needs.

The Roadmap and Launch Timeline Honda's roadmap for EVs, revealed last year, includes multiple scooters with varied designs and bodies, maxi scooters, motorcycles, and even mini-bikes. The launch timeline for these vehicles is said to be by the end of this decade. The company plans to kickstart the launch of its electric two-wheelers with the Electric Activa in 2024 and the Benly-e (likely) soon after that with a swappable battery. These are codenamed GJNA and K4BA, respectively.

Honda: The First Japanese Brand to Enter the EV Space With the launch of its electric two-wheelers, Honda will be the first Japanese motorcycle and scooter manufacturer to venture into the EV space in India. This move comes at a time when India's largest automaker, Hero MotoCorp, has set its foot in the 2W EV space with the Vida brand. Ola has also carved a niche for itself in the segment by offering a plethora of features and is currently the highest seller in the market.

Battery Swapping Stations

For Honda, battery-swapping technology is likely to be the key to establishing supremacy over rivals. To this end, the company has established a new vertical named Honda Power Pack Energy India in Bengaluru. Honda has also partnered up with HPCL and Bengaluru Metro to establish swapping stations, starting from Bengaluru. These swapping stations will initially provide 1.35 kWh battery packs for swaps for electric two and three-wheeled vehicles. Major cities will see a chain of swapping stations popping up soon after the launch. Honda is expected to reveal a more elaborate plan on March 29, 2023.

Honda's Electric 2W Production Capacity According to insiders, the first two offerings set to launch in 2024 are expected to push 5 lakh units in sales. By 2027, the following vehicles launched are expected to take that number to 10 lakh units. For the first year, Honda is planning for up to 1.5 lakh units and shooting for a double-digit YoY growth as well. To achieve this, the Honda Manesar factory will see an upgrade and will be converted into a global hub for the production of motorcycles and scooters. Honda currently exports motorcycles to 40 different countries, and this upgrade will help them reach new scales. Honda's roadmap also facilitates a 360-degree state-of-the-art turnaround of the factory, enabling all corporate functions to happen under one roof, improving the efficiency of operations and efficiency across teams and verticals.

Also, Read: BGauss D15 Electric Scooter

Commuter flex-fuel motorcycle

Flex-Fuel Motorcycles Apart from EVs, Honda is also exploring the possibilities of flex-fuel technologies in India. The technology, already in effect in its Brazilian counterparts, allows flex-fuel motorcycles to run on petrol and ethanol. The user can switch back and forth to any fuel they may choose to ride with. Ethanol is very economical to run and efficient too.

The Electric Activa: A Game-Changer in the Electric Scooter Market

The Electric Activa is Honda's first electric scooter, set to launch in India in 2024. This scooter is expected to be a game-changer in the electric scooter market, offering customers a reliable, affordable, and eco-friendly mode of transportation. The Electric Activa will be powered by a lithium-ion battery and is expected to have a range of approximately 100 kilometers on a single charge. This electric scooter is also expected to have a top speed of 80 km/h, making it ideal for city commuting.

Honda's Impact on the Automotive Industry

Honda's plan to launch ten new EVs in the next five years is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it reflects the growing trend towards electrification in the automotive industry, with several other major automakers also announcing their plans to go electric. Secondly, Honda's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint could inspire other companies to follow suit and take more significant steps toward sustainability. Finally, Honda's push towards electrification could have a positive impact on the environment, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality.

Conclusion Honda is set to take the Indian two-wheeler market by storm with its range of electric two-wheelers. With its 10 different EVs, battery-swapping technology, and an upgraded manufacturing plant, the company is poised to become a market leader in the EV.