As the Indian electric vehicle market has been growing rapidly for the past few years, many new players have entered the EV market, including Ather Energy, Simple Energy, and Ola Electric, as well as traditional names like Bajaj, TVS, and, more recently, Suzuki and Hero MotoCorp.
Now, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India is also gearing up to enter the EV world by launching an electric scooter. The company, which markets popular models like the Activa and Shine throughout the nation, plans to begin a test run of the electric scooter in the coming weeks.
In an interview with PTI, HMSI President, Managing Director, and CEO Atsushi Ogata stated that the business opted to enter the category following a thorough discussion with its parent company, Honda Motor Company in Japan. In-depth specifics are still being worked out, but they have made a promise to introduce the (EV product) during the next fiscal year, he added.
Hence, the official debut of the e-scooter by the company is anticipated towards the end of FY 2023. Mr Ogata stated that numerous companies, including international players, were joining the EV category since the government was encouraging investments in green infrastructure.
Ogata went on to say that while customers have begun to use EVs for short journeys in cities, internal combustion engine two-wheelers still have an advantage in long-distance travel and rural locations. He mentioned that the forthcoming electric scooter would be introduced to the company's line-up in the nation and that there are no plans to convert existing models such as the Activa or Shine to electric throughout the next three years.
In addition, he said that the automaker does not only intend to enter the EV sector but is also looking for opportunities in the battery management systems. With the government promoting clean technology in the automobile industry, the EV market is seeing a lot of activity in the country.