Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has announced that it has made Gachaco Inc. a consolidated subsidiary after subscribing to newly issued shares through a third-party allotment, marking a strategic step in advancing electric mobility infrastructure.
The transaction involved Honda acquiring 340,000 new shares worth 340 million yen, bringing its ownership stake in Gachaco to 47%. The move underscores Honda’s commitment to accelerating the adoption of electric motorcycles and building a robust battery-swapping ecosystem in Japan.
Founded in April 2022, Gachaco is a joint venture between Honda and major industry players including ENEOS Holdings, Inc., Suzuki Motor Corporation, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., and Kawasaki Motors, Ltd.. The company focuses on providing standardized swappable battery services for electric motorcycles and developing the supporting infrastructure.
Since launching its services in Tokyo in October 2022, Gachaco has installed battery-swapping stations across urban areas, allowing users to exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones instantly. Initially targeting corporate fleets, the service expanded to individual users in early 2024 and is now growing its presence in both Tokyo and Osaka.
Honda stated that enhancing the usability of electric motorcycles requires not only expanding vehicle lineups but also ensuring convenient and reliable energy supply systems. By taking a leading role in Gachaco, the company aims to eliminate concerns over charging time and range—key barriers to widespread EV adoption.
As part of its future plans, Gachaco will accelerate the rollout of battery-swapping stations and extend its services beyond motorcycles to include electric construction machinery. It also plans to offer rental and maintenance solutions for battery stations at corporate facilities managing large electric fleets.
The initiative aligns with Honda’s broader goal of achieving carbon neutrality across all products and operations by 2050. Strengthening battery infrastructure is seen as a critical pillar in this transition toward a decarbonized and circular society.
With this move, Honda is positioning itself at the forefront of next-generation energy solutions, aiming to create a seamless and accessible ecosystem for electric mobility users.
