Honda motorcycles to go all-electric by 2040

KUALA LUMPUR: Not only carmakers but also bike makers are actively participating in the transition to electric mobility. The recent announcement made by Honda, the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer, is a testament to that. 

Honda is ready to lead the transition of the two-wheeler sector to completely phase out internal combustion engines and focus on EV models. It has set a target to become an EV-only bike manufacturer by 2024.

This ambitious target aligns with the brand’s vision to reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to global environmental goals.

Honda is set to introduce more than ten electric motorcycles by the end of the next year to sell one million electric bikes annually by 2026. Looking ahead to 2030, the automaker projects electric motorcycle sales to hit an annual mark of 3.5 million, constituting approximately 15% of its total sales.

Honda is also working to develop a robust infrastructure to support the adoption of electric vehicles. The company is making substantial investments in solid-state battery technologies, which are touted to be more efficient than current lithium-ion batteries and to have a longer lifespan. As for convenient recharging solutions, Honda is looking for collaborations to develop a network of battery exchange stations.

“Honda has not changed its belief that EVs are the most effective solution in the area of small mobility products such as motorcycles and automobiles, and Honda’s electrification target to make EVs and FCEVs represent 100% of its global vehicle sales by 2040 remains unchanged. Honda must look ahead to the period of EV popularization and build a strong EV brand and a strong EV business foundation from a medium- to long-term perspective” reads Honda’s Summary of 2024 Honda Business Briefing on Direction of Electrification Initiatives and Investment Strategy.

Also read: Malaysia Autoshow 2024: Four new Honda bikes revealed - ADV350, CB750, XL750 and NX500