Honda is set to unveil the detailed specifications of its first full-sized electric motorcycle, a highly anticipated model featuring rare fast-charging technology. This motorcycle is expected to be the production version of last year's EV Fun concept bike that made its debut. This move clearly signals that Honda is stepping into the high-performance electric motorcycle market, launching into fierce competition with renowned brands like Harley-Davidson LiveWire and Zero.
Currently, most electric motorcycles on the market can only use the slower Level 2 charging technology or have smaller battery capacities. Only a few models, like the LiveWire One, support quick charging. There is a strong demand for DC fast charging in the market, and the quick charging technology introduced by Honda is undoubtedly a major selling point for riders who don’t want to wait for long charging times.
According to the leaked preview images, this electric motorcycle will feature a CCS Combo 2 charging interface, which complies with Europe's fast charging standards. Although Honda claims that the range of this motorcycle is sufficient to meet urban demands, specific information regarding the battery capacity has yet to be released.
This electric motorcycle's design has largely inherited the aesthetics of the EV Fun concept bike, showcasing a modern street bike style while retaining classic Honda design elements. From the exposed renderings and spy shots, it’s clear that it's aimed at competing with mid-range fuel motorcycles like the Honda CB series. This implies that its positioning goes beyond just being a small urban commuter; it's designed to meet the demands of highway riding as well.
According to the information showcased by Honda at EICMA 2024, this electric motorcycle is designed to deliver outstanding performance, with a range exceeding 100 kilometers, and is compatible with CCS2 fast chargers.
Range has always been a critical challenge for electric motorcycles, with actual figures often falling short of riders' expectations based on fuel-powered bikes, making high-speed rides a tough sell. Pricing is also a significant factor; if Honda wants to compete with the high-priced Harley-Davidson LiveWire or Zero, it will undoubtedly face fierce market competition. However, if they can make their pricing more approachable, Honda might just see impressive sales.
The global electric motorcycle market is currently experiencing rapid growth, with projections indicating that by 2025, the market size will reach approximately $69.98 billion, boasting an impressive annual growth rate of 35.34%. This momentum is driven by a rise in environmental awareness, innovations in battery technology, and supportive government policies.
Although Honda has mentioned that they will announce official details soon, their schedule at the end of the year aligns with the November Milan EICMA exhibition. It is expected that Honda will hold a grand launch event at this exhibition, marking the global premiere of this electric motorcycle.
According to a teaser video shared on Honda UK's Instagram page, and specifically mentioning at European Street Testing, this electric motorcycle will primarily be available in the European and UK markets, while consumers in other regions may need to wait patiently.
