Honda to open an electric motorcycle plant in India

Honda has yet to disclose the exact location of the upcoming dedicated electric motorcycle plant but Daiki Mihara, Head of the Motorcycle and Power Products Electrification Business Unit, stated it will be “around Bengaluru” in the southern state of Karnataka. He did not share the specifics and the amount the company plans to invest in this project.

Honda already operates a two-wheeler factory about 50 km away from Bengaluru, in the Narsapura Industrial Area. The company manufactures its first electric two-wheelers in the country at this production facility – the Activa e: and the QC1.

Speaking further, Mihara said that Honda wants to offer EVs “at a price range where the TCO (total cost of ownership) over three years would be comparable to that of ICE vehicles.” The company sees its upcoming dedicated electric motorcycle factory as crucial to achieving this goal.

“This factory will produce a variety of models through the combination of different modules. Additionally, for batteries, a key component, we are working with battery manufacturers to develop specifications tailored to the characteristics of motorcycles and ensure stable procurement.”

During the Q&A session following the presentation, Mihara revealed that Honda will kick off production with a 4 kW commuter model in the second half of 2028. The company is also considering exporting EVs from this factory to global markets.

“In the largest market, India, we aim to achieve the no.1 position in the electric segment by implementing various initiatives,” Mihara said. The company will launch the e:Swap battery swapping service, improve the charging network through its extensive sales network, and bring price parity, he added.

global.honda, global.honda (presentation, PDF)