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EV-CUB will spearhead electric bike push

Electric Hondas on sale in 2018

Written by Ben Purvis , Date 1:18 PM
Honda Electric Scooter

Predictions that electric bikes will be the next big thing have been commonplace for years now but the world’s leading manufacturers still haven’t committed to their production. Now Honda has finally shown it will be trying its hand in the electric bike market.

The firm has officially confirmed that the EV-CUB concept bike shown last year will be in production in two years’ time. Honda CEO Takahiro Hachigo himself made the announcement, saying: “We are planning to introduce the EV-CUB, a mass-production model developed based on the EV-CUB Concept electric motorcycle, to the Japanese market about two years from now and then subsequently in main ASEAN countries, which have been the largest market for the Honda Cub Series.

“Building on the Cub models, which have taken deep root in people’s everyday lives, we will strive to popularize the EV and reduce CO2 emissions.”

The EV-CUB might be bold in its technology but its style is decidedly retro. The idea of taking the same global appeal of the original Honda Cub and injecting a modern, electric drivetrain could well be a wise one. Many electric bike projects have been hindered by either unconventional styling or unusual suspension systems. With customers already taking a leap of faith to switch to electric power, asking them to also adopt other unproven ideas is often a step too far. By adding electric power to a bike that’s already got the trusted, well-proven image of the Cub Honda is offering a comforting, familiar face to make customers feel more at home with the new technology.

The decision to launch the bike in Japan first, followed by the ASEAN countries, means that it could still be several years before those of us in Europe or America get the chance to swing a leg over an electric Honda.

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