Honda is finally gearing up to make its entry into the electrically powered two-wheeler segment, with not one but two electric bikes in FY 2024!
Honda’s upcoming two electric scooters in FY2024 will compete with the likes of the Bajaj Chetak, Burgman Electric, and TVS iQube.
Honda To Launch Two Electric Scooters in 2024 Built on Entirely New Platforms
One of these has a permanent battery configuration, while the other uses swappable battery technology. The two scooters’ concept sketches have been teased by Honda. The term Activa Electric may be used for one of Honda’s forthcoming electric scooters.
Recently acquired patent docs showed designs for a hub motor and fixed battery configuration. Honda plans to localize its products heavily to offer its electric scooters at a competitive price.
Honda will release electric two-wheelers in the near future that are built on entirely new platforms. Honda’s new electric platform, code-named Platform E, will be able to handle various battery architectures and installations. Both fixed battery and swappable battery options will be supported.
The latter will make use of a Mobile Power Pack E from Honda. The majority of the components will be purchased from regional producers by Honda in an effort to lower production costs. It will contain the power control devices and battery packs (PCUs).
Honda’s future electric two-wheelers will also be marketed toward international markets, just like its ICE scooters. Honda may establish India as one of its global manufacturing hubs for accessible electric two-wheelers.
Honda’s Plans of Battery Changing and Switching Infrastructure
Honda intends to install battery charging and battery switching infrastructure across its more than 6,000 consumer touchpoints to ensure a seamless launch for its future electric two-wheelers. Of course, the plans will be carried out in stages.
A few current touchpoints will be transformed into Workshop E, which will only serve EVs. At these workshops, all the essential tools, including charging cords, will be accessible. Also, Honda will try to offer battery charging options at a few fuel stations, underground stations, and other places of a like nature.
Phase 2 will see the establishment of more such exchange stations, particularly in the southern states. Swapping stations would be set up throughout India in the third phase. The battery-switching system is likely the most practical method of operating electric two-wheelers.
Currently, very few brands exist in the nation that provides these services.
Honda Sets Up 23 Battery Changing Stations in Bengaluru
Honda is putting the finishing touches on a South-to-North EV infrastructure plan, with a stronger initial emphasis on Southern states. Honda has already set up 23 battery-changing stations in Bengaluru, which is the starting point.
There will likely be a significant demand for Honda’s EVs once its battery-swapping network is operational. At its current plant in Narsapura, Karnataka, Honda is constructing a special Factory E to handle that. The annual production capacity of Factory E will be one million units by 2030.
