Honda will supply Yamaha with electric models derived from its ‘EM1 e:’ and ‘Benly e: I’ Class-1 category models. These will be equipped with Honda’s Mobile Power Pack e: swappable battery.
Yamaha Motor Co and Honda Motor Co have announced a partnership whereby Honda will supply Yamaha with electric two-wheeler models for the Japanese market. These models are based on Honda’s EM1 e: and Benly e: I Class-1 category models, and the arrangement is structured as an OEM agreement. The companies will continue discussions aimed at finalizing a formal agreement.
The Class-1 category in Japan, as defined by the Road Vehicles Act, includes vehicles with two or more wheels and an engine with a total displacement of 50cc or less or an electric motor with a rated output of up to 0.60 kW.
In May 2023, Honda unveiled the EM1 e, an electric moped targeting a young audience with its appeal of simple, fun, and emission-free urban transportation. This model features a Honda Mobile Power Pack swappable battery, providing a range of 41.3km and a maximum speed of 45kph. It includes a digital instrument display, under-seat storage, a USB socket, pillion footpegs, and a rear carrier.
Honda introduced the Benly e-series in December 2019, focusing on user convenience with features like a large, flat rear deck for carrying loads and a reverse assist function for easier manoeuvrability in tight or sloped areas.
Discussions between Honda and Yamaha began in October 2016 about forming a business alliance in the Japanese Class-1 motorcycle market to tackle challenges such as stringent safety and emissions standards and the push towards electrification.
Key discussion points included:
Supplying 50cc scooter models as an OEM,
Collaborative development and OEM supply of next-generation 50cc business scooter models,
Joint efforts to promote electric motorcycles in the Class-1 category.
Following these discussions, Honda started supplying 50cc scooter models to Yamaha as an OEM in March 2018.
In April 2019, Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, and Suzuki Motor Corporation formed the Swappable Battery Consortium for Electric Motorcycles, aiming to foster the widespread use of electric motorcycles through initiatives like standardizing swappable batteries and their swapping systems. This led to an agreement in March 2021 to establish common specifications.
Building on these initiatives, Yamaha and Honda have agreed that Honda will supply Class-1 category models to Yamaha, based on the EM1 e and Benly e: I models, featuring the standardized Honda Mobile Power Pack e: swappable battery. This collaboration aims to meet the growing demand for electric motorcycles in the Class-1 category, which is popular for both personal and business uses.
To further promote electric two-wheelers in the Class-1 category in Japan, both companies plan to expand their product offerings and continue addressing challenges related to electric vehicles, such as range, charging time, performance, and cost.
