Despite the debate going around, electrification is seen as the future for the auto-sphere as more and more manufacturers are collaborating and building technologies that will help sustain this change in the future. This also means that while we like our cars and motorcycles the way they are, they might not necessarily use the same powertrain in the future. Well, a glimpse of the same was recently seen in Bangkok, Thailand where someone swapped the single-cylinder internal combustion engine on a Royal Enfield Classic 500 for an electric motor. The Classic 500 Electric was put up on display at a local RE dealership.
Also Read: Okinawa Praise E-Scooter Launched In India
(The internal combustion engine has been replaced with batteries on the electric Royal Enfield)
Keeping the design intact, the Royal Enfield Classic 500 Electric makes changes to the chassis to accommodate the battery pack in place of the engine. The chain drive has been replaced by a belt drive instead. Furthermore, the standard analog instrument cluster has been replaced by an all-digital display. Beyond this, there aren't any cosmetic changes on the cruiser. There are no details on the motor size, power output or battery range available. Moreover, it does miss out on the legendary thump from the exhaust that has pretty much defined Royal Enfield over generations.
(The analog cluster has been replaced with a digital panel)
The RE Classic Electric though should be a whole lot faster than the standard bike with respect to initial acceleration at least. However, this is not the first example of a Royal Enfield motorcycle going electric. Nevertheless, the project looks like a job well done. Previously, another Classic 500 owner in the UK converted his motorcycle into an electric one.
(The power output and batter performance figures haven't been revealed)
Conventional are now facing competition from more and more start-ups world over in the electric vehicle space. While the likes of Tesla and Zero Motorcycles are making strides in EV manufacturing, India has a host of two-wheeler EV manufacturers are starting to show up in the country. More recently, Okinawa Autotech launched its second electric scooter Praise in the market, while companies like Ather Energy, Twenty Two Motors, Tork Motorcycles among others have also showcased their offerings.
Recently, Royal Enfield boss Siddhartha Lal also spoke about eyeing in the electric space in the future. That said, there's still some time for the company to look into the future technology, as it is gearing up to introduce the new Continental GT and Interceptor 650 next year globally.
