In India, Honda currently does not sell EVs or flex fuel products, which is expected to change in 2023.
Honda India grew from Hero MotoCorp’s total (domestic + exports) sales to less than 85 units in August 2022. Both businesses are expanding their product range to include electric vehicles (EVs). Honda has said it will introduce an electric scooter in 2023, while Hero is expected to release its Vida-branded scooter by the end of this year.
By the end of 2025, Honda will introduce 10 new electric 2W vehicles or more. These ten or more EVs should represent a diverse range of market segments. Not only this, but Honda will also introduce flex-fuel motorcycles starting in 2023 in addition to these ten EVs. Some of these things are also being seen in India.
2025 Honda New Electric Vehicles
By the end of 2025, Honda will introduce 10 new electric 2W vehicles or more. This is Honda’s strategy for achieving carbon neutrality and an EV future. It’s big news to be manufactured by Honda, the world’s most influential motorbike maker.
As part of a consortium in 2019, Honda joined forces with the other three Japanese “Big 4” (Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha) to develop a unified standard for batteries, charging stations, and other EV components. As a result, usability and convenience of use will be significantly improved. For example, Apple’s decision to only use the Lightning connection on a small number of its devices is inconvenient for everyone.
The Japanese company cooperates with companies from the Old Continent, including Piaggio and KTM, on standards for interchangeable batteries. Ten or more of Honda’s new EVs will be available as a moped, bicycle, commuter, and “fun” EVs. Between now and 2025, these vehicles will be introduced, with some mopeds, bicycles, and commuters being the first to hit the roads.
Honda has big targets, expecting to sell 3.5 million units by 2030 and at least 1 million units by 2025. Honda will probably follow its path if marketing and planning are correctly done. These upcoming EVs will likely use Honda’s Monozukuri powertrain and control system.
Honda Flex Fuel Bikes
Some of these electric vehicles will also manufacture in India. One of them will be an electric scooter with the moniker Activa. A hub motor patented in India by Honda India is expected to be used in this device and its subsequent products. Honda is likely to promote interchangeable battery technology in India and internationally.
However, the chances of Honda launching a “fun” EV in India are slim. Electric cycles and mopeds are also more practical for India. Honda is developing solid-state batteries, which are safer and have better battery chemistry. The only kink in the works is the mass production of solid-state batteries.
India is probably on Honda’s radar regarding flex-fuel vehicles as we already use fuel combined with 10% ethanol. These flex-fuel motorcycles will be able to run on 20% ethanol, and by 2025 Honda could have engines that can also run on 100% ethanol. In 2023, India plans to introduce fuel with 20% ethanol blending in some states.
