Exclusive: Yamaha Looking At Introducing Electric Scooter In India
Highlights
- Yamaha already sells the EC-05 electric scooter in Taiwan
- Yamaha E01 electric scooter will also be introduced in overseas markets
- With hybrid scooters, India Yamaha takes first steps towards EVs
India Yamaha is working on developing a new electric scooter specifically for India, carandbike has learnt. While the electric two-wheeler will be targeted at the India market, as well as other global markets, Yamaha is adopting a wait and watch policy to see how India's EV policy develops, or what roadmap for the EV policy the government formulates. carandbike has learnt that the EV strategy is very much on the table for India Yamaha, provided the roadmap facilitates adoption of EV technology, backed with a holistic EV infrastructure. Yamaha's soon-to-be launched updated 125 cc scooters in India, the Yamaha Fascino 125 FI Hybrid and the RayZR Hybrid will have hybrid technology, with electric power assisting the petrol engines.
Also Read: Yamaha Fascino 125 FI Hybrid Unveiled; India Launch Soon
Also Read: Yamaha RayZR Hybrid Revealed
Speaking with carandbike in an exclusive interaction, Ravinder Singh, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, India Yamaha Motor, said, "The Fascino 125 FI Hybrid is Yamaha's first step towards entering the EV space. The Facino 125 FI Hybrid with electric power assist is just one of the many technological advancements which we achieved in the field of electric mobility. So, our team is already working on an all-new electric two-wheeler platform for India, and for other global markets as well. We have the technology. In Taiwan, for the last two years, Yamaha is selling EVs."
Also Read: Yamaha E01 Electric Scooter Revealed In Patent Drawings
"But many factors are important for the EV sector, like pricing, performance, but most important is the infrastructure. Infrastructure includes charging facility, battery production, battery swapping facility. Those are the bigger challenges at this moment and if not properly addressed, it won't be a good scenario for the customer. So, we're looking at a clear roadmap for the EV policy from the Indian government, and then definitely we will introduce an EV in India," added Singh.
Also Read: Yamaha EC-05 Electric Scooter With Removable Batteries Unveiled For Taiwan
Yamaha showcased its E 01 electric scooter at the Tokyo Motor Show in concept form, and the Yamaha EC-05 electric scooter is the result of Yamaha's collaboration with Gogoro in Taiwan. The Yamaha EC-05 features removable batteries for easy re-charging, and is said to have a top speed of 90 kmph, with a range of around 100 km. Electric vehicles certainly seem to be the future of mobility, and Yamaha already is well-versed with electric technology, and it seems to be only a matter of time before Yamaha feels the Indian market is mature enough for the Japanese brand to launch its first electric scooter.