Honda has been one of the biggest names in the motorcycle industry for decades. No matter where in the world you go, chances are you’ll see a Honda two-wheeler on the road, be it a small-displacement scooter on the streets of Indonesia, or a Fireblade setting hot laps in the Nurburgring.
Suffice it to say that the Japanese giant has mastered the balance between reliability, affordability, and performance, making its bikes a go-to for riders of all walks of life.
Globally, Honda sells more motorcycles than any other brand—close to 19 million units in 2024 alone. That’s over a quarter of all motorcycles sold worldwide. But what’s really interesting is that Honda isn’t just about keeping its lead—it’s also all about shaping the future of how we move. And no matter what you think, the truth simply is that the future is electric—or at least, a big part of it is.
But while some manufacturers have gone all-in on electric bikes in recent years, Honda seems to be taking a more long-term, strategic approach. Instead of rushing into a market that’s still finding its footing (case in point: all the EV startups that’ve gone under recently), it’s laying the groundwork for the long haul. And a big part of that plan is India.
Honda recently announced that it’ll be building a dedicated electric motorcycle factory in Bengaluru, set to open its doors in 2028. Admittedly, that might seem pretty far off since 2025 just rolled over, and there’s quite a lot to unpack this year alone. But here’s why this is a potential game-changer.
You see, India is the largest motorcycle market in the world. And by large, I mean 20-million-bikes-a-year large. At the same time, the Indian government is pushing hard for vehicle electrification, along with other sustainable fuel alternatives. By setting up shop there, Honda is putting itself in the perfect position to take advantage of a market which will potentially have the biggest demand for light EVs in the entire world.
And the goal isn’t just to boost local EV sales, either. It’s to make India a hub for exporting electric motorcycles all over the world. Honda currently holds 40 percent of the global motorcycle market, and with this move, it aims to push that number to 50 percent, perhaps even higher, over the long run. And given Honda’s track record, that’s not just wishful thinking; it’s a very real possibility
But Honda hasn’t exactly flooded the market with electric bikes—at least not yet. Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean it’s sitting still. As we discussed previously, the company showcased two EV concepts at EICMA 2024. One of them was the EV Fun Concept, a sporty electric bike set to launch sometime in 2025. The other one was the EV Urban Concept, a sleek commuter that previews Honda’s vision for electric urban mobility.
Aside from the two futuristic EV concepts, Honda already has some sensible electric offerings in the market. Chief of which is definitely the Mobile Power Pack e:, a swappable battery system designed to make charging quick and hassle-free. Instead of relying on long charging times, this tech could be a game-changer for city riders who need a more convenient way to stay powered up. And it’s already powering everything from scooters to construction equipment, and even tourist boats.
It's clear that Honda sees massive potential in the electric motorcycle market with its upcoming EV plant in India. And surely, it’s only a matter of time before Honda takes over the electric motorcycle scene—just like it did with gas-powered bikes. Hopefully, other big names in the industry that are now considered “legacy brands” will follow in Honda’s footsteps, too. After all, a big part of the future is electric—and it’s a truth that we need to accept, as hard as it may seem.
Source: Nikkei Asia
