Electric Honda scooters under development for India - Report

12/04/2018 - 13:51 | ,   | Praveen M

A report from the Times Of India states that Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) is developing electric scooters for the Indian market.

Honda PCX Electric Concept front right quarter
The PCX comes with removable lithium-ion batteries for better usability.

Minoru Kato, president and CEO of HMSI told the media house that the brand is working its electric scooters in its headquarters in Japan and inputs are also taken from the brand’s Indian operations. Kato acknowledges that it is challenging to meet customer expectations in a market like India. The brand is keen to strike the right balance between pricing, performance and range. Speaking of range, the company is planning ensure a minimum range of 100 km. The company hasn’t decided on the launch timeline yet.

The brand already has experience with electric mobility. Honda showcased the PCX Electric at this year’s Auto Expo to gauge the response of Indian customers.

Honda PCX Electric Concept front left quarter
The PCX electric scooter is planned for Asia-wide release, including Japan, this year. However, the India launch is unlikely, at least for a foreseeable future.

The two-wheeler maker recently announced its plan for FY2018-19. Honda has confirmed one new two-wheeler launch and 18 updates for existing products this financial year. Recently, the patent image of the 2018 Honda CB 125F leaked online, and will reportedly be launched as a part of its plan this fiscal. The Japanese auto major has earmarked close to INR 800 crore investment outlay for this fiscal and is planning to expand to 6,000 touch points with key focus on hinterlands.

Also Read: HMSI creates a new world record in sales

Additionally, Royal Enfield has also jumped the electric bandwagon. Mahindra’s GenZe electric scooter was spotted testing recently; and Bajaj is reportedly working on its electric two-wheeler brand codenamed ‘Urbanite’.

[Source: ET Auto]

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