Honda seems to be getting ready to launch an electric motorcycle for India, based on the chassis of the made-in-India Honda Shine 100 one of the most affordable and simple Honda motorcycles in its range. This should make it relatively simpler and quicker to develop the new electric motorcycle and launch the Shine electric at a competitive price. Most of the chassis and cycle parts revealed in the patent images indicate that these are shared with the petrol-powered Shine 100, launched in 2023.
Also Read: Honda Activa e: Review
Honda Motorcycle India’s electric push in India has been with the two scooters, the Activa e: and the QC1, but so far, both these electric scooters have not been able to make any significant impression in the Indian market, primarily due to the pricing strategy and high cost of subscription plans. But Honda also has a battery swapping network which is being developed in major cities of India, and this is where the electric motorcycle is likely to come in – use the same existing network.
The leaked patent images clearly show that the basic chassis used is that of the 100 cc Honda Shine, with the electric motor and two small batteries replacing the internal combustion engine and petrol tank.
Also Read: Honda QC1 Review
Other components like the headlight, suspension, wheels and handlebar are shared with the petrol-powered model as well. The two small battery packs are likely to use Honda’s Power Pack e: battery swapping network. Currently, it is exclusively for the Honda Activa e: although it makes only sense that future Honda electric two-wheelers will also stand to benefit from the same swapping network.
Also Read: Honda Shine 100 First Ride Review
So far, there’s no word on when the Honda Shine electric motorcycle will be launched, and in which markets. Given the way the electric two-wheeler industry is evolving in India, it only makes sense that Honda will be looking to tap into the e-motorcycle segment as well, considering the Shine name has strong brand recall in India, particularly the 125 cc version, which is one of the highest-selling 125 cc motorcycles in India. More details in the electric Shine are expected in the coming months.
