Honda cars plans to roll out electric vehicles in India by 2023-24
Japanese carmaker Honda Motor has firmed up plans to introduce an electric vehicle in the Indian market by 2023-2024, according to four people aware of the company’s plans.
The electric car for India will be part of the company's global electric rollout plan — which kicks off in 2019 with China — and could be a 'B' segment vehicle, they told ET, adding that the specific requirement for India's e-vehicle is being gathered.
“While the government is still to roll out its electric vehicle policy, unlike the past, Honda is not waiting for policy changes to define its electrified vehicles footprint,” one of persons cited earlier said. “While the hybrid solution on City sedan is defined, the EV solution for a B segment car or an SUV is part of the plan.”
Honda Cars India, the Indian arm of the Japanese parent company, has been leaning heavily on petrol-powered cars. It was a late starter in the small cars and diesel vehicles segments which have boosted sales numbers for its rivals. Industry executives ET spoke with said the company now wants to avoid having to play catch-up when it comes to green mobility solutions. Honda declined to confirm any timeline for launch of electric vehicles in India.
In a recent interview with ET, Honda Cars India president Gaku Nakanishi had said EVs would come 100%, but did not say when. As per sources, the key input being shared for the India EV is that it has to be a city car and should have a range of 150-200 km. Honda also plans to localise the hybrid solution in India to ensure that it is accessible and affordable for prospective buyers.
Honda will be the last among the top five automakers in India to have an EV solution. Maruti Suzuki has already announced plans to launch an electric Wagon R by the end of this decade which will be shared by Toyota Kirloskar.
Hyundai Motor India, too, plans to come out with smart EVs while M&M and Tata have been pushing for EVs. “In order to achieve higher penetration for EVs, the issues of range anxiety, charging infrastructure and affordability have to be addressed. In three years, environment-friendly (vehicles) will come from Honda,” explained Nakanishi.
Energy world