Honda’s electrification drive won’t be limited to cars. The company announced on Tuesday that it will launch 10 electric motorcycles globally by 2025 and make its motorcycle lineup carbon-neutral by 2040.
Honda already sells a line of small scooters aimed at fleet operators, which are already used by Japan and Vietnam’s postal services. The company plans to expand the availability of these models to other markets and introduce two personal-use derivatives for the European and Asian markets between 2024 and 2025.
Between 2022 and 2024, Honda plans to introduce five larger electric moped models, again in European and Asian markets. These will be followed by three even larger models for Japan, Europe, and the United States between 2024 and 2025.
Finally, Honda plans to release an electric motorcycle for children. This model is also scheduled for 2024 or 2025 and also appears to be destined for the U.S.
Honda said it will equip future electric motorcycles with solid-state batteries, using technology the company is also considering for cars. Battery swapping is also part of the company’s plans; In 2021, Honda joined other Japanese motorcycle manufacturers, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha, in a consortium to develop battery exchange standards for motorcycles.
In addition to electric models, Honda said it will continue to improve the fuel efficiency of its internal combustion motorcycles and explore alternative fuels to achieve its carbon neutrality goal.
There was at least one false start for these efforts. Honda originally said in 2008 that it would launch an electric motorcycle in 2010. That left room for companies like Zero and Energica to focus on electric bikes.
BMW Motorrad said in 2018 that it saw electric motors as the future of motorcycles. And even some traditional motorcycle manufacturers like Harley-Davidson beat Honda to the market with a fully developed electric bike.
Honda has also increased its investment in electric vehicles. It now plans 30 EVs by 2030, globally, with two electric sports cars in development.
