Honda has been gradually entering the electric two-wheeler market in India, with products like the Activa e: and QC1. However, the company is now working on a wider range of electric offerings, including a new electric motorcycle aimed at the entry-level commuter segment. Recent patent filings have surfaced online, revealing a motorcycle designed with simplicity as a core principle. The bike features a basic backbone frame, drum brakes, a conventional telescopic front fork, and twin rear shock absorbers. The overall design is reminiscent of older Honda commuter motorcycles, but with a significant difference in the powertrain.
The motorcycle uses an electric motor paired with two removable battery packs, a concept that Honda has explored before in a patent filing for an electric motorcycle based on the Honda Shine 100 platform. The removable batteries are likely to be standardized in size, allowing for easy swapping and potentially offering a total capacity of around 3kWh. The patent images also show a round instrument cluster and a secondary display mounted on top of the fuel tank area, likely intended to show battery charge.
The design and hardware of the motorcycle suggest that it will be aimed at everyday commuting, prioritizing ease of use and practicality over performance. Honda’s focus on developing localized electric products for India increases the likelihood that this motorcycle could eventually make it into the brand’s future EV portfolio. However, it’s worth noting that a patent filing does not confirm production.
The new electric motorcycle could potentially use a similar battery-swapping infrastructure to the Activa e:, which would allow for convenient and efficient charging. Honda’s investment in battery-swapping technology and its expansion of this infrastructure in India suggest that the company is committed to developing a comprehensive electric vehicle ecosystem.
Overall, the patent filing reveals Honda’s ongoing efforts to develop a range of electric two-wheelers for the Indian market. While the production of this motorcycle is not confirmed, it’s likely that Honda will continue to explore and expand its electric offerings in the coming years. As the company works to establish itself as a major player in the electric two-wheeler market, it will be interesting to see how this new motorcycle fits into its overall strategy and product lineup.