Honda plans to launch at least ten electric two-wheelers globally by 2025 in the first phase of its EV roadmap. The goal for EV sales is one million units by 2027. Honda EV sales will be around 3.5 million units by the end of this decade. However, ICE-based models will continue to be Honda’s mainstay in this decade. By 2030, EV sales will account for roughly 15% of Honda’s total sales.
Honda has unveiled several new electric bikes, including the Cub e, Dax e, and Zoomer e. These are based on their gasoline-powered counterparts. These new e-bikes will be available in China first. Honda’s initial EV strategy appears to be similar to that of other OEMs, in which existing gasoline-powered vehicles are outfitted with electric powertrains and this approach is preferred because it reduces development costs and time to market.
Honda’s electric cubs are an ideal choice for Generation Z.
EVs are becoming more popular among the younger generation, and Honda is working to provide a variety of options. Honda’s new e-bikes have a simple design and are intended for utility. Honda’s new entry-level electric bikes may not require a driver’s licence in many global markets. Because the top speed is limited to 15 mph (approx. 24 kmph). The range appears to be less than that of standard electric bikes, but that won’t be an issue with options like fast charging and battery swapping.
Furthermore, Cub e, Dax e, and Zoomer e all have pedals. Even if the batteries die for whatever reason or if there is another malfunction, the bikes can still be used as bicycles. Because of their light weight, users will not have to huff and puff to run them on human power. The concept is similar to Kinetic Luna, which also had emergency pedals.
It is unknown whether Honda electric cubs will be introduced in India. Honda appears to have taken a safer approach for the Indian market rather than experimenting. Honda’s first electric two-wheeler for India will be the Activa Electric, which will go on sale in January 2024. Atsushi Ogata, MD and CEO of Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI), confirmed this.
The top speed of the Activa electric scooter will be 50 kmph. This is significantly lower than the current industry average of around 80-100 kmph. The range of the Activa electric has not been disclosed, but it should be adequate for daily needs. Honda will launch its first born-electric bike in India following the Activa electric, which is essentially a retrofit project. It will have all of the bells and whistles that one would expect from a modern electric scooter. Honda is most likely to offer swappable battery technology to alleviate range anxiety. The company intends to increase localization in order to launch their electric scooters at a competitive price point.
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