Royal Enfield is keeping with its ‘four motorcycles a year’ strategy, the Chennai-based manufacturer has introduced the Scram 411, a new Classic 350, and the recently introduced Hunter 350. Royal Enfield has yet to release another model by the end of the year.
However, due to climate change and rising fuel costs, EVs are gaining popularity even in India. Europe believes it can achieve carbon neutrality by 2035. Looking at the old continent’s ambitious roadmap, other markets, including the Indian EV market, are striving for electrification. Both car and motorcycle manufacturers are committing to an EV future.
Siddhartha Lal, CEO of Eicher Motors, hinted at the Hunter 350 launch event about the types of EVs that may emerge from Royal Enfield’s stables in the coming years. There was talk about Royal Enfield EVs at the Hunter 350 launch and the first Royal Enfield electric vehicle will be unveiled in three to four years. It might not be a precise timeline but it is clear that Royal Enfield is working on an EV or has a plan in mind.
Sid Lal stated that Royal Enfield is currently working on a number of projects, but nothing has been finalised. Developing an EV that can compete with the performance of their 350cc or 650cc platforms will be prohibitively expensive. Because batteries have enough energy to produce 20 to 30 bhp. As a result, battery technology must significantly improve. In addition, to reduce battery costs, India should begin manufacturing batteries locally.
Royal Enfield is not in a hurry and will take its time in developing an EV that is both good and meets all expectations. Be it in terms of appearance, performance, or range. We can expect Royal Enfield’s upcoming EVs to have a range of 100 to 150 kilometres on a single charge and performance comparable to their 350cc portfolio. Unfortunately, we will have to wait years to get our hands on one.
