Across global automotive industries, EVs or Electric Vehicles are clearly the next big thing. The Indian government is also encouraging EV startups and emission-free alternatives in the passenger vehicle segment. Choices are very narrow at the moment but major automakers are investing a lot into new EV platforms, especially for the affordable category.
Presently, there are only three desirable EVs among four-wheelers: Tata Nexon EV, MG ZS EV and Hyundai Kona. Mahindra’s eXUV300 or XUV300 Electric will join the party very soon. It was only recently that the Delhi Government announced substantial incentives for electric vehicles.
Under ‘Delhi Electric Vehicle Policy’, newly registered EVs are eligible for a price cut of Rs 10,000 for each kWh battery capacity (highest applicable price deduction: Rs 1.50 lakh).
It appears that two-wheelers, particularly scooters, offer the best platforms to develop electric powertrains that can meet or surpass the potential and desirability of conventional petrol examples. Performance-focused electric motorcycles might not be as ‘engaging’ or ‘fun’ as an ICE alternative coming in the same price bracket, at least in the foreseeable future. Yet mainstream motorcycle makers are betting big on EVs.
Royal Enfield confirms that it has been developing electric prototypes for quite some time. In fact, the Chennai-based motorcycle manufacturer has even formed a dedicated team to analyse market demands and trends in order to target the final emission-free product(s) at the right customer base.
Vinod Dasari, CEO of Royal Enfield, told Moneycontrol that the company has major plans for all-electric motorcycles. He states that when it comes to electric vehicles, the question is not whether such mobility would come but ‘when’. ”Electric is something we take very seriously,” shares Vinod Dasari.
Meanwhile, Royal Enfield is almost ready with the next-gen ‘UCE 350’ models, starting with the much-awaited Meteor 350 (Thunderbird 350 replacement). The company had discontinued its ‘UCE 500’ lineup ahead of BS6 emission norms due to poor demand and stiffer competition.
We have shared a few all-electric Royal Enfield builds in the past such as Hound Electric’s E-Bullet and Electric Classic Cars’ Photon. As a fitting alternative, an unofficial Jawa EV render has also made its way to social media. It is worth mentioning that Classic Legends (parent company of Jawa Motorcycles) is working on an all-new electric motorcycle under ‘Yezdi’ brand. It would take at least two years or so for both Royal Enfield and Jawa Motorcycles to launch their first tailpipe-free model line.