Yamaha to launch electric two-wheeler in India

When it comes to electric two-wheeler companies in India, we see very few players take charge of it. Apart from Hero MotoCorp, no any prominent company has made a successful journey so far. Some startups like Ather Energy and Ultraviolette Automotive have been trying to take the responsibility but managed only their prototype launch.

As India one of the largest markets for Japanese auto major Yamaha, the firm is looking to foray into electric two-wheeler segment in the country.

The Japanese company is learned to be conducting a feasibility study to evaluate the possibility of launching electric two-wheelers in India. Besides it also eyes investing opportunities for power units and batteries for electric vehicles (EVs).

"We are at present conducting a feasibility study in this area (electric two wheelers). Yamaha has an edge in this segment as we already have such products in other countries. Transferring such products to India, it is not so difficult," said Yamaha Motor Research and Development India MD Yasuo Ishihara.

"I believe that the EV products cannot be the complete replacement to the current internal combustion engines. This is one of the biggest study points," Ishihara added.

Also Read: Delhiites may get electric bike, car, bus before December this year says Gadkari

In a recent development in electric two-wheeler sector, Hero MotoCorp electric arm Hero Electric is planning to set up multiple assembly plants to meet its target of increasing sales by ten-fold in the next five years.

Hero MotoCorp has also invested in home-grown electric two-wheeler startup Ather Energy and owns a significant stake in the firm. The startup is aiming to open bookings for its first electric scooters S340 in India by early 2018.

Meanwhile, TVS Motor is developing an electric scooter code-named U218 in, in order to compete in the category with players like Bajaj Auto, Mahindra 2 Wheelers, which are all set to launch electric two-wheelers in 2018.

Earlier this month, TVS acquired a minority stake of 14.78 per cent in Ultraviolette Automotive, a startup working on electric two-wheelers and energy infrastructure.

The Bengaluru-based Ultraviolette deals with designing and developing motorcycles and battery packs in order to give them a modern premium look.

Keeping the Central Government goal, to get rid of petrol and diesel vehicles from Indian roads by 2030, in mind, Minister of Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari has warned automakers in the country to move to vehicles that run on electricity, biodiesel, ethanol and compressed natural gas.

The development was first reported by Mint.