Tokyo Motor Show 2017: Honda Announces Electric, Hybrid Scooters

Honda has announced new electric and hybrid versions of its PCX scooters at the Tokyo Motor Show - the Honda PCX Electric and the Honda PCX Hybrid. Both scooters are built on the same basic concept, but have different drivetrains. Honda already has the PCX 150 with an internal combustion engine. The Honda PCX Electric uses a high-output motor developed independently by Honda, and it also uses the Honda Mobile Power Pack, which is a detachable and swappable battery system that Honda is trying to standardise for several models.

(Tokyo Motor Show 2017: Honda Announces Electric, Hybrid Scooters)

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The Honda PCX Electric uses a pair of swappable batteries which is stored under the seat. Honda has not released any details on the motor and how much power and torque it makes. But the scooter does look well-built and finished and seems future-ready.

(Tokyo Motor Show 2017: Honda Announces Electric, Hybrid Scooters)

The PCX Hybrid is a newly-developed original hybrid system designed for motorcycles. According to Honda, the PCX Hybrid uses a high-output battery and ACG starter to assist the engine and enables PCX Hybrid to realise a "torqueful" riding performance. Both the PCX Electric and the PCX Hybrid are slated to go on sale as 2018 models in Asia, including Japan. But for now, there are no definite plans for bringing these models to India.

(Tokyo Motor Show 2017: Honda Announces Electric, Hybrid Scooters)

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There are not too many details about the two electric and hybrid scooters from Honda as of now, apart from the fact that both have been developed in-house. Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) has so far maintained that although Honda has an active electric two-wheeler programme in other countries, there are no plans so far to develop or introduce any such model in India. India is currently Honda's largest two-wheeler market globally. With the 2018 Auto Expo a few months away, we won't be surprised if HMSI does decide to showcase hybrid and electric two-wheelers, with an eye on introducing such products in India as well.