At a press briefing in Tokyo, Japan, earlier today Honda set out its plans for the future of its electric motorcycle and scooter business.
Having only just released the EM1e in Europe (Honda’s first electric scooter), the Japanese giant, whose motto “The Power of Dreams – How we move you” plans to move around 4 million EV buyers per year. That’s up from their 3.5 million sales target set in September 2022r. Their ambitious plans include the following bullet points:
- Global annual sales target of 4 million units
- To introduce 30 electric models by 2030
- Honda will accelerate cost-reduction initiatives to reduce the cost of electric motorcycles by 50%
- The company will invest 500 billion yen by the end of the decade
SC e concept
Exhibited recently at EICMA and Motorcycle Live, the SC e concept scooter will be introduced in 2024 and will be followed by more “FUN-oriented” models and plug-in electric models in 2025. Honda will also introduce electric models in the super sports, naked, off-road, kids bikes and ATV categories. This is part of their proactive approach to introduce more than 30 electric models by 2030.
Modular platform
Honda has the know-how to use platform sharing (as in their NT/X-ADV series of bikes/scooters for instance) to enable rapid growth of their EV lineup. They plan to use a modular platform including a harmonised battery, power unit and chassis to increase production and enable various machines to be created on a single basic package.
50% reduction
This modular approach and common battery usage will help them to cut costs to achieve their 50% reduction in the cost of an electric motorcycle.
Connectivity
The Japanese giants will go large on connectivity for the electric range, which will enable OTA (Over The Air) software updates and the addition of post-purchase new functions. Honda will also further advance their RoadSync connectivity service and equip new models launched from 2024 onwards with an IVI (In Vehicle Infotainment) system, which includes a suggestion-based navigation system and provides information on charging stations.
Telematics
For new models from 2026, Honda will install a TCU (Telematics Control Unit) and further enhance its connectivity. In the future, data obtained (from both ICE and electric vehicles) will be used to understand the needs of consumers based on where and how the machines are being used.
Lithium Ferro-Phosphate (LFP)
Of course, battery tech is still being developed and Honda have been working on new lithium ferro-phosphate batteries and plans to adopt them in 2025.
