Japanese two-wheeler giant Honda Two Wheeler has announced plans to launch its first electric vehicle (EV) in India during the 2024-25 financial year. Yogesh Mathur, Director of Sales and Marketing at Honda Two Wheelers, acknowledged the company's delayed entry into the EV segment but emphasised that the timing aligns with the market's growing demand. The first EV, likely an electric scooter, is expected to be showcased at the 2025 Bharat Mobility Expo.

Mathur explained that Honda's delay was a strategic decision, as the company focused on strengthening its presence in the 110 cc motorcycle segment with the Honda Shine 100. However, with the electric two-wheeler market now expanding from 5 per cent of the total market in last year to 8 per cent currently, Honda believes this is the right time to enter the segment. The company aims for one-third of its domestic sales to come from EVs by 2030. While details of the electric scooter are limited, it is expected to feature battery-swapping technology.

In addition to its EV plans, Honda will also launch its first flex-fuel vehicle this fiscal year. The Honda CB300F flex-fuel motorcycle, showcased at the 2024 Bharat Mobility Expo, uses Honda Flex Tech, enabling ethanol blends of up to 85 per cent. The motorcycle's 293.52cc single-cylinder engine, producing 24.13 bhp and 25.6 Nm of torque, supports E20 and E85 fuels and is paired with a six-speed gearbox. Honda believes India’s fuel landscape is versatile, with multiple fuel types coexisting, and aims to introduce carbon-neutral solutions to support this shift.

Honda Two Wheelers: 2024 in a glance

Mathur highlighted that 2024 has been a strong year for the two-wheeler industry, with growth surpassing expectations. Initially projected to grow at 12 per cent year-on-year, the two wheeler industry has seen a 16 per cent YoY increase so far. For Honda Two Wheelers, the scooter segment has experienced impressive growth, expanding by 24 per cent, while the motorcycle segment has grown by 13 per cent. Currently, 60 per cent of the company’s sales come from scooters, with motorcycles accounting for the remaining 40 per cent.

Mathur emphasised that while Honda anticipates ending the financial year with double-digit growth, much will depend on the performance in October. This year’s festive season is condensed into just one month, unlike previous years when it spanned a longer period.

Honda plans to close the financial year with total production of 6.2 million units, including both domestic sales and exports, fully utilising the production capacity of its four manufacturing plants.

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