Honda is planning to have a manufacturing plant for an electric two-wheeler assembly facility in Karnataka by 2028.
Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Limited (HMSI) is pleased to share the news on its planned construction of a new electric two-wheeler assembly facility in Karnataka which is scheduled to go on stream by 2028. This programme is a continuation of Honda’s vision to be the market-leading electric two-wheeler company in India. The new plant will be constructed close to the existing Narasapura plant where Honda’s latest electric, Activa e, and QC1, vehicles are being produced now.
Electric Motorcycles
The new plant will initially focus on creating a commuter electric motorcycle with a 4 kWh battery, similar to traditional 100 cc bikes. Honda envisages the application of a modular production approach and will thereby be able to produce a new mid-range electric motorcycle in the future. This facility, in addition to helping local needs, will also be an export “hub” for other less developed nations.
Starting Scooters
Honda made its way into the EV market in 2025 with the presentation of Activa e and QC1 electric scooters. Activa e has a smart battery-swapping mechanism, which Honda will provide by introducing a battery-swapping station in the large cities of Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai. This infrastructure is critical for the timely and effective answering of customer needs related to battery life and charging capabilities.
Battery Suppliers
To guarantee a stable supply of components, Honda is working with battery makers. The new facility in Karnataka will be instrumental in streamlining production and reducing costs. Concentrating on localisation, Honda seeks to reduce the cost of electric two-wheelers to the level of internal combustion engine counterparts over a 3-year ownership period.
Top Spot
India is Honda’s biggest market by unit sales so this new facility is an important part of Honda’s plan to reach the aspiration of 50% market share of the two-wheeler market worldwide by 2030, ie., 2029. The company is going to release 30 electric two-wheeler designs around the globe by the end of this decade, including 13 releases already. This electrification thrust is critically important because Honda seeks to better position itself domestically and beyond.
Production Options
With this new plant, Honda will be able to produce in high volume a swarm of electric two-wheelers whose designs and components are alike for various types of machines. This adaptability is also crucial for fast reactions to market needs and preferences of users. In pursuit of its electrification plan, Honda is also targeting mid-sized motorcycles in addition to commuter motorcycles, targeting a broader market.
Customer Infrastructure
The level of commitment extends beyond manufacturing, as Honda intends to leverage its vast network of 6,000 dealers throughout India to build charging infrastructure. Honda will try to address customer anxieties about the extent of battery life and the length of time it takes to charge by putting, via swappable batteries, in its product franchise and by providing charging facilities. This integrative way shows Honda’s intentionality in bringing to users the dream of daily use of EV mobility.
Bright Future
Honda will establish itself as a segment leader in the rapidly growing electric vehicle sector – of India – by 2028 with the establishment of this purpose-built electric two-wheeler production factory in the state of Karnataka to produce and deliver affordable EVS spread over 24 locations of the company by 2030. Through creative manufacturing, collaborative partnerships, and robust infrastructure creation Honda intends not only to cater to the local market but also to function as an export centre for developing countries. While embarking on this exciting path, the company continues to commit to delivering trust, value, and affordable electric mobility solutions that speak to the Indian consumer.
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