Yamaha Will Rebadge Honda Electric Bikes For Sale In Japan

Honda and Yamaha are joining forces in the realm of electric 2-wheelers for domestic sale.

In a move set to transform the Japanese electric motorcycle landscape, industry giants Honda Motor Co., Ltd. and Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. have announced a strategic partnership. This collaboration aims to accelerate the adoption of electric motorcycles in Japan’s Class-1 category, addressing key challenges in the evolving automotive sector.

Key Points of the Honda-Yamaha Partnership:

1. OEM Agreement: Honda will supply Yamaha with electric motorcycle models based on the “EM1 e:” and “BENLY e: I” for the Japanese market.
2. Focus on Class-1 Category: These vehicles feature two or more wheels and an electric motor with a rated output of 0.60 kW or less.
3. Building on Past Collaborations: This agreement follows successful partnerships dating back to 2016, including OEM supply of 50cc scooter models.
4. Swappable Battery Consortium: Both companies are part of an industry-wide initiative to standardize swappable batteries for electric motorcycles.
5. Addressing Market Challenges: The partnership aims to tackle issues such as range, charging time, performance, and cost in electric motorcycles.

Evolution of the Honda-Yamaha Collaboration

The roots of this partnership trace back to 2016 when Honda and Yamaha began discussions on potential alliances in the Japanese Class-1 category motorcycle market. Their collaboration has since expanded to include:

• OEM supply of 50cc scooter models (initiated in 2018)
• Joint development of next-generation business scooter models
• Efforts to popularize electric motorcycles in the Class-1 category

Swappable Battery Technology: A Game-Changer

In 2019, Honda and Yamaha, along with Kawasaki and Suzuki, established the Swappable Battery Consortium for Electric Motorcycles. This initiative led to the standardization of swappable batteries in 2021, addressing crucial challenges in electric motorcycle adoption:

• Extended range
• Reduced charging time
• Improved practicality for users

The Future of Electric Motorcycles in Japan

This partnership between Honda and Yamaha is set to:

1. Expand the electric motorcycle product lineup in the Class-1 category
2. Meet diverse customer needs for both personal and business use
3. Accelerate the transition towards sustainable mobility solutions
4. Contribute to Japan’s goal of achieving a carbon-neutral society

As these industry leaders combine their expertise and resources, the future of electric motorcycles in Japan looks increasingly promising. This collaboration not only benefits consumers but also pushes the entire industry towards more sustainable and efficient transportation solutions.