Honda Announces New EV Factory in India, Eyes No. 1 Spot

Japan's Honda Motor Co Ltd on Tuesday announced plans to build an electric motorcycle plant in India by 2028. The Japanese auto giant also said it is eyeing the number one spot in the Indian two-wheeler market, which is currently held by its earlier partner, Hero MotoCorp.

During a media interaction in Tokyo, Daiki Mihara Chief of the Motorcycle and Power Products Electrification Business Unit said that Honda will begin operating a dedicated electric motorcycle production plant in India in 2028 to produce various electric models.

At the same conference, Honda Motor Co Executive Officer Minoru Kato revealed that using the strength of 6,000 dealers and service networks across India, the company has increased its unit sales and believes that securing the number one position is well within sight.

This follows the company's entry into the EV market in November 2024 with two electric scooters, the Activa E and the QC1.

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Factory Plans

The new factory will produce a range of models by mixing and matching different modules. The company announced that it will start with a commuter bike equipped with a 4kWh battery, equivalent to a 100cc motorcycle.

The factory will be capable of manufacturing electric bikes similar to mid-sized motorcycles. Honda is also working with battery manufacturers to develop specifications made for stable procurement.

Despite its late entry into the EV market, Honda has ambitious plans to become India's leading electric motorcycle manufacturer. The company says that going forward, it aims to utilise its expertise in internal combustion engine (ICE) technology to introduce more EV models, including those with fixed batteries.

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Honda’s Aim

The new electric motorcycle factory is expected to be built in Karnataka, adjacent to Honda’s existing two-wheeler plant in Narasapura, near Bengaluru. The primary goal of this development is to meet the growing domestic demand for electric motorcycles. However, Honda also sees this facility as an export hub for emerging markets seeking more affordable solutions.

Honda plans to introduce 30 electric two-wheelers globally by 2030, targeting annual sales of four million units. The company has already launched 13 of these models worldwide. In November, Honda introduced two electric scooters designed specifically for the Indian market: the Activa E, which runs on two swappable portable batteries that can be exchanged at designated stations, and the QC1.

Initially, Honda will roll out its battery-swapping service in Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, allowing riders to replace depleted batteries and use the Activa E without concerns about charging time or battery life. To support this move, Honda intends to use its extensive network of 6,000 dealerships across India while also focusing on stationary battery solutions by developing a robust charging infrastructure nationwide.