Honda is planning to establish a dedicated electric motorcycle plant in India as part of its strategy to expand in the country’s growing electric vehicle (EV) market, a company executive said.
The new facility will be located “around Bengaluru” in the southern state of Karnataka, Daiki Mihara, Head of the Motorcycle and Power Products Electrification Business Unit, said. However, he did not disclose the exact location or the investment details.
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Honda currently manufactures its first electric two-wheelers, the Activa e: and QC1, at its existing factory in the Narsapura Industrial Area, about 50 km from Bengaluru. The new facility will play a key role in the company’s efforts to make EVs more competitive with internal combustion engine (ICE) models.
“This factory will produce a variety of models through the combination of different modules,” Mihara said. “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.”
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Production at the new plant is set to begin in the second half of 2028 with a 4 kW commuter model, Mihara said. Honda is also considering exporting EVs from the facility to global markets.
âIn the largest market, India, we aim to achieve the No. 1 position in the electric segment by implementing various initiatives,â Mihara said. These include launching the e:Swap battery-swapping service, expanding charging infrastructure through its dealership network, and ensuring cost competitiveness with ICE vehicles.