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Does this mean we might finally see a serious electric bike from Honda?

Honda and Hitachi join forces on electric vehicles

Written by Ben Purvis , Date 12:49 PM
Honda RC-E

Japan’s bike makers have spent years flirting with the idea of electric motorcycles and now Honda has signed an agreement with Hitachi Automotive Systems that might bring the reality a bit closer.

The Memorandum of Understanding that the two firms signed aims to establish a joint venture to develop, make and sell motors for electric vehicles. While the emphasis is likely to be on cars, it must also make electric Honda motorcycles a step closer.

The MoU means that the project is in early stages. The two companies will now formally discuss the establishment of the new electric motor company.

Hitachi Automotive Systems, a subsidiary of Hitachi Ltd, has been making electric vehicle motors since 1999. That makes it among the most experienced firms in the field. Honda’s record dates back a similar distance, having sold its first petrol-electric hybrid car in 1999.

In terms of bikes, Honda has made a host of electric concept two-wheelers going back as far as the late 1990s and peaking with the RC-E concept of 2011. It’s also quietly backed the Mugen electric TT race project for several years. In production terms, the firm has already made electric scooters in small numbers. Its mid-term plan for the period 2015-2017 stated intention to offer electric bikes in both emerging and developed markets by the end of the period.

The tie-in with Hitachi should reduce costs and quicken development. Under the plan, the new venture will have subsidiaries in China and the USA, each with their own manufacturing operations.

The venture isn’t exclusive. Honda will still manufacture its own electric motors as well as using the new Honda-Hitachi ones and Hitachi will also be free to supply other companies. At the moment, no name has been chosen for the new firm.

 

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