Honda Motor Co. is gearing up for significant advancements in the electric two-wheeler market with plans to establish a dedicated production facility in India by 2028. This ambitious move follows the recent launch of the Activa e and QC1 electric scooters, marking Honda's entry as a major player in the country’s electric vehicle sector.
Emphasizing its commitment to the Indian market, Honda has revealed plans to not only manufacture electric bikes locally but also export them to international markets including South America. This decision is part of Honda's broader strategy to cater to the growing demand for electric two-wheelers, which has gained momentum as the country shifts toward sustainable transportation.
According to Honda officials, the new plant will produce various electric models by utilizing shared modules across different models, streamlining production and enhancing efficiency. Daiki Mihara, the head of motorcycle and power products electrification business at Honda, spoke about the efforts to standardize battery specifications, stating, “A wide variety of electric models will be produced by combining modules commonised for multiple models.”
Just recently, Honda launched its new Activa e electric scooter at the Bharat Mobility Expo. The Activa e and the QC1 have entered the market with prices of Rs 1.17 lakh and Rs 90,000 respectively, being Honda's first all-electric two-wheeler offerings. The QC1 utilizes a fixed 1.5 kWh battery offering up to 80 kilometers per charge, whereas the Activa e features two 1.5 kWh swappable battery packs, giving it an impressive combined range of 102 kilometers.
Explaining its long-term vision, Honda aims to reduce the total cost of ownership of its electric models to be comparable with traditional internal combustion engine models within three years. This strategic pricing approach is expected to make electric two-wheelers more accessible to consumers, paralleling the expenses associated with conventional models.
The introduction of the dedicated plant aligns with Honda's objective to capture market share and solidify its position as the leading manufacturer of electric two-wheelers in India, confirmed by the company's ambition to launch 30 new models by 2030. Currently, 13 electric models are already available globally, reflecting Honda's commitment to electrification.
To support its electric model roll-out, Honda is also planning to establish a nationwide battery charging network, leveraging its extensive dealer network comprising about 6,000 outlets across India. This initiative will make it easier for customers to charge their electric vehicles and is part of the company’s comprehensive strategy to improve EV adoption.
With the recent advancements, including the new TFT display introduced with the Activa e, which offers useful features like Bluetooth connectivity and navigation support, Honda is making strides to redefine everyday commuting for riders. The new display facilitates easier access to information and enhances engagement with the vehicle's functionalities.
The Activa e's design also reflects Honda’s goal to appeal to modern riders, featuring innovative aspects like swappable batteries, LED lighting, and three dynamic riding modes: Eco, Standard, and Sport, tailoring the riding experience based on user preference.
With increasing interest and the shift toward electric vehicles worldwide, Honda’s initiatives position the company to meet new consumer demands and contribute to India's burgeoning electric ecosystem. The anticipated production plant by 2028 stands as testimony to Honda's dedicated efforts to bolster its electric two-wheeler offerings and propel the industry forward.