Honda set to introduce new electric bikes in Pakistan

WEB DESK: Honda has introduced its electric bike, the ‘BENLEY e,’ in a soft launch at its Sheikhupura plant on Tuesday, marking the company’s foray into the two-wheel EV segment in Pakistan.

Noriaki Abe, Chief Officer of Motorcycle and Power Products at Atlas Honda, announced during the event that the ‘BENLY e’ bike would undergo test marketing, with future products based on user feedback.

However, an industry source familiar with the matter revealed that initially, Honda would not make its electric scooters available to the general public.

Given the soaring petrol price in Pakistan, the introduction of electric bikes into the Pakistani motorcycle market is anticipated to gain significant traction.

It appears that people are increasingly inclined to purchase battery-powered bikes and cars rather than conventional fuel-powered vehicles.

While a few brands have introduced electric bikes in Pakistan, they have not gained widespread popularity.

Pakistani consumers tend to take time to trust a brand, especially in the case of electric motorcycles, which are relatively uncommon like Road King electric bike.

People are more likely to trust electric bikes introduced by well-established and reputable brands than those they are unfamiliar with.

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Reports indicate that Honda’s electric bikes will initially be commercially available to organisations with large fleets of two-wheelers, such as food delivery and courier services.

This strategic move allows the company to closely interact with customers, gaining insights into their needs and challenges in the electric bike market.

The unveiling of Honda’s electric scooter signals the company’s intention to enter the electric bike market, a timely decision given the high gasoline prices.

Dealers anticipate that it may take a year for Honda to make electric bikes widely available on the market.

Motorcycle dealers in Pakistan report a surge in inquiries about electric bikes, reflecting a growing demand for environmentally friendly alternatives.

Recent reports indicate an upward trend in the sale of electric scooters in the Pakistani market.

The price of the Honda electric bike in Pakistan remains uncertain at the moment, pending the official introduction of all its variants by the bike maker for public use.