The buzzing streets of India are about to witness a game-changing shift. Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) is planning to launch its first electric vehicle (EV) (two wheeler) in the country by March next year, and their strategy might surprise you.
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The Electric Revolution That Makes Sense
While competitors rush to electrify everything on two wheels, Honda’s Director of Sales and Marketing, Yogesh Mathur, is taking a calculated approach. HMSI believes electric motorcycles do not make sense. The company’s current focus is on expanding its EV business to over 100 cities within the next year and capturing at least 50% of the addressable EV market.
This isn’t just corporate speak—it’s strategic brilliance rooted in understanding Indian consumers.
Why Scooters Are Honda’s Electric Goldmine
Picture this: A busy professional in Bangalore navigating traffic-clogged streets, a college student in Mumbai looking for convenient transport, or a family in Delhi seeking reliable daily commuting. For these real-world scenarios, electric scooters make perfect sense.
It’s logic is refreshingly practical. By 2030 there will be a major chunk shifting towards EV. And we also have announced that by 2030 our lineup also will be 1/3 at least, coming up only from EV, Mathur explained.
But here’s the smart part—they’re not trying to electrify segments that aren’t ready yet.
The Service-First Philosophy That Changes Everything
What sets Honda apart isn’t just their product strategy—it’s their customer-centric approach. “From our side, our strategy is very clear in terms of establishing a service network, prior to sales network. That is our key focus, so that the customer can rely on us as they have trust in our products,” Mathur noted.
This philosophy addresses the biggest concern Indian EV buyers have: “What happens when something goes wrong?”
Honda’s Electric Future Unfolds
The company isn’t just talking—they’re acting. Similar to Hero MotorCorp’s, Honda is adopting a phased expansion strategy to roll out its vehicles across the country, starting with Bangalore, Delhi and Mumbai. The booking for Activa E will start in January 2025, while deliveries will start from February 2025.
This measured approach reflects Honda’s 22-year understanding of Indian markets through leaders like Mathur, who has worked across geographies & gained insights of diverse culture of India which helped him to build strategies at the grass root level and make the Second Largest two-wheeler brand of India.
The Market Reality Check
Honda’s focus on electric scooters over motorcycles isn’t just strategic—it’s based on solid market intelligence. The 100-110 cc segment forms 1/3rd of the industry, and this segment is where electrification makes the most practical and economic sense for Indian consumers.
While others chase every electric opportunity, Honda is mastering one segment at a time.
What This Means for You
If you’re considering an electric two-wheeler, Honda‘s approach offers something valuable: reliability backed by proven service networks. Their decision to prioritize scooters means better infrastructure, more focused R&D, and ultimately, a more refined product experience.
The electric revolution in India isn’t just about going green—it’s about going smart. And Honda’s bet on electric scooters over motorcycles might just be the smartest move in the industry.
