Honda Motor Co., Ltd. and Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. have reached a groundbreaking agreement, marking a significant step forward in their collaborative efforts to revolutionize the Japanese electric motorcycle market. Honda will supply Yamaha with electric motorcycle models for the domestic market, based on its EM1 e: and BENLY e: I models, under an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) arrangement.
This partnership is rooted in discussions that began in October 2016, aimed at addressing the evolving challenges of the motorcycle industry, such as stringent safety standards, emissions regulations, and the pursuit of electrification. Since then, both companies have taken strides toward joint development and OEM supply, particularly in the Class-1 category, which encompasses vehicles with engines of 50cc or less, or electric motors with a rated output of 0.60 kW or less.
In 2018, Honda initiated OEM supply of 50cc scooter models to Yamaha, and by 2019, both companies, alongside Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Suzuki Motor Corporation, established the Swappable Battery Consortium for Electric Motorcycles. This initiative led to a standardized swappable battery system, a milestone achieved in March 2021.
The latest agreement will see Honda supplying Yamaha with models powered by the Honda Mobile Power Pack e: swappable battery, adhering to the consortium’s standardized specifications. This move is expected to enhance the product lineup in the Class-1 category, catering to the growing demand for electric motorcycles in both personal and business sectors.
As Honda and Yamaha continue their collaboration, they remain committed to overcoming challenges such as range, charging time, performance, and cost, while contributing to a carbon-neutral society.
