India’s electric vehicle (EV) revolution is accelerating, and Yamaha is making a grand entrance. In a move that’s set to shake up the country’s fast-growing electric two-wheeler segment, Yamaha Motor Company has joined forces with Bengaluru-based startup River to launch the RY01—a high-performance electric scooter designed specifically for Indian roads and riders.
This partnership is more than just a product launch; it’s a strategic shift that places India at the heart of Yamaha’s global EV ambitions.
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Yamaha’s Strategic Shift: Why the RY01 Matters
For decades, Yamaha has been synonymous with performance, excitement, and sporty appeal in India. However, its earlier forays into electric mobility, especially in Europe, focused on low-speed, utility-oriented scooters like the Neos.
The RY01 marks a decisive pivot. Instead of adapting a European model for India, Yamaha is co-developing a brand-new, performance-centric electric scooter from the ground up, tailored to the unique demands of Indian consumers.
The RY01 is being developed by Yamaha’s engineering teams in Japan, the US, and Europe, working closely with River’s experts in Bengaluru. Production is slated to begin between July and September 2025 at River’s state-of-the-art facility in Karnataka.
While Yamaha retains product ownership and design DNA, River is responsible for R&D, battery integration, engineering, and manufacturing, ensuring the RY01 is both globally competitive and locally relevant.
India’s Booming Electric Two-Wheeler Market
The timing couldn’t be better. India’s electric two-wheeler market is on a tear, having crossed the 1.15 million unit mark in FY25—a 20% year-on-year growth. Electric vehicles now account for over 6% of all two-wheeler sales, driven by rising fuel prices, supportive government policies like PM E-DRIVE, and a growing urban population seeking cleaner, more efficient mobility solutions.
Legacy players and startups alike are vying for a slice of this lucrative market. Ola Electric leads the pack, followed by TVS Motor, Bajaj Auto, Ather Energy, and Hero MotoCorp’s Vida. With projections suggesting the segment could reach 1.3–1.4 million units in FY26, competition is fierce—and innovation is the name of the game.
What Makes the Yamaha River RY01 Stand Out?
The RY01 isn’t just another electric scooter. It’s a statement of intent from Yamaha—a return to its performance roots, but with a modern, electric twist. Here’s what sets it apart:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch Timeline | Production: July–September 2025; Showrooms: End of FY26 |
| Manufacturing Location | River’s plant, Karnataka |
| Target Market | Performance-focused Indian riders |
| Technology | In-house battery & powertrain, fast development cycles |
| Investment | Yamaha’s $40 million Series B investment in River (2024) |
| Market Position | Competing with Ola S1, TVS iQube, Bajaj Chetak, Ather Rizta |
Unlike many rivals, the RY01 is being built from scratch for India’s performance-sensitive market. River’s expertise in robust engineering and battery technology ensures the scooter will deliver on speed, range, and reliability—qualities that matter most to Indian riders.
The Power of Partnership: Yamaha and River
River, which made waves with its Indie e-scooter in 2023, has quickly earned a reputation for performance-oriented design and solid engineering.
Its Bengaluru plant meets Yamaha’s stringent quality and production standards, enabling a faster go-to-market strategy. Yamaha’s $40 million investment in River in 2024 isn’t just financial—it’s a vote of confidence in River’s ability to execute at scale.
This isn’t a typical supplier relationship. It’s a true co-creation, with Yamaha providing the vision and product DNA, and River handling the nuts and bolts of development and manufacturing. The result? A scooter that’s uniquely suited to Indian roads, but with global aspirations.
How Does the RY01 Stack Up Against Rivals?
| Brand & Model | Price Range (INR) | Performance Focus | Launch Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yamaha River RY01 | TBA | High | FY26 (expected) |
| Ola S1 | 1.0–1.3 lakh | Medium-High | Available |
| TVS iQube | 1.2–1.4 lakh | Medium | Available |
| Bajaj Chetak | 1.2–1.4 lakh | Medium | Available |
| Ather Rizta | 1.1–1.5 lakh | High | Available |
The RY01 is expected to carve out a premium, performance-focused niche, appealing to riders who want more than just basic urban mobility. With River’s in-house battery and powertrain technology, Yamaha aims to deliver a scooter that’s not only fast and fun but also reliable and efficient.
The Road Ahead: India at the Centre of Yamaha’s EV Strategy
Yamaha’s collaboration with River is a clear signal that India is no longer just a market—it’s an innovation hub. The RY01’s India-first development, bypassing Yamaha’s existing global platforms, could serve as a blueprint for future EVs, both in India and abroad.
With River eyeing expansion into 11 export markets, the partnership has the potential to shape Yamaha’s global EV strategy for years to come.
