Honda to accelerate on electrification of motorcycles; to bring 10+ EVs by 2025
Japanese brand Honda has announced its roadmap to achieve carbon neutrality for all of its motorcycle products by 2050. With primary focus on environmental strategies for motorcycle business, Honda has vowed to accelerate electrification of its global line-up of motorcycles, while also continuing to advance ICE product range towards lower carbon footprint.
The company today held a press briefing on its motorcycle business initiatives in global markets, presented by Kohei Takeuchi, Director and Executive Vice President. Honda is currently the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer, with considerable market share in Asian and European nations.
In the "era of carbon neutrality", Honda affirms to offer the "joy of riding" with its electric motorcycles and new value products by leveraging the high level of compatibility of software technology and electrified models.
The brand is planning to introduce over 10 electric motorcycle models globally by 2025, with an aim to increase annual sales of electric models to 1 million units within the next five years, and 3.5 million units (equivalent to 15 percent of total unit sales) as of 2030.
This includes both commuter and lifestyle ('FUN' category) E2Ws, according to Honda. Along with the already launched Honda e: 'Business Bike', the company will be bringing two more commuter E2Ws between 2024 and 2025 in Asia, Europe and Japan.
On the other hand, Honda will be launching three large-size 'FUN' EV motorcycles in Japan, the U.S and Europe between 2024 and 2025. The brand will also introduce 'Kids Fun' EV model, designed to pass on the joy of riding to the next generation.
As far as batteries for these EVs are concerned, Honda aims to equip its electric motorcycle models with an all-solid-state battery that the company is currently developing by making active use of its own resources.
Honda is also working on standardization of batteries and battery sharing models including battery swapping platforms in different markets including Japan, Europe, Indonesia, and India. Transforming its business from non-recurring hardware (product) sales to a recurring business model combining hardware and software is also on the agenda for the brand.
In other words, Honda claims to work toward the establishment of a connected platform where greater value will be generated not only by connecting its motorcycles, but by linking a wide range of Honda products and realizing connectivity beyond their product domains.
