– Achieving carbon neutrality with electrification at the center –
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Tokyo, September 12 December 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Honda’s goal is to be carbon neutral by 2050 in all of its products and corporate activities.Today, Honda held a press conference on its motorcycle business plans, led by Takeuchi Kohei (Director, Executive Vice President and Representative Executive Officer) and Nomura Yoshimo (General manager).
The briefing summary is as follows:
In anticipation of market expansion, Honda will launch electric motorcycles that meet the needs of a wide range of customers. Combining commuter models and fun models, Honda will launch more than 10 new electric motorcycle models by 2025, aiming to achieve annual sales of electric motorcycles of 1 million and 3.5 million (about 3.5 million of the total sales in the next 5 years). 15%)) or 2030.
1. Methods of carbon neutrality for motorcycle products
In order to meet the various uses and needs of customers around the world, Honda offers a wide range of motorcycle products, from small commuter models to large fun models, which are used in emerging and developed countries around the world. Especially in emerging countries, motorcycles, which are the lifeline of people’s daily life, are mainly commuter models and are in great demand; however, the popularization of electric models faces challenges such as heavier vehicles and higher prices. Additionally, demand for electric models is largely dependent on government incentives, regulations, and the availability of charging infrastructure in individual markets.
With these circumstances in mind, Honda has made accelerating motorcycle electrification a major focus of its motorcycle business environmental strategy, while continuing to advance ICE, aiming to make all its motorcycle products carbon neutral by the 2040s. In addition, Honda will continue to lead the industry at the forefront of environmental initiatives.
<Advancing ICE’s Ongoing Initiatives>
In order to achieve carbon neutrality while meeting the wide range of customer needs and usage environments unique to motorcycles, Honda continues to take steps to reduce carbon dioxide2 emissions from ICE models while also developing models compatible with carbon neutral fuels such as gasoline-ethanol blends.More specifically, in addition to Brazil Flex Fuel (E100)*1 Motorcycle models are already on the market, and Honda plans to India, is also one of the major motorcycle markets. The plan is to first introduce flex fuel (E20) *1 Models starting in 2023, and flex-fuel (E100) models in 2025.
*1 Gasoline-ethanol blended fuel. Various blend ratios are available, from 100% gasoline to 100% ethanol. E100 is 100% ethanol and E20 is 20% ethanol.
2. Electrification initiatives
<Launched electric motorcycle models to meet a wide range of customer needs>
In anticipation of market expansion, Honda will launch electric motorcycles that meet the needs of a wide range of customers. Combining commuter models and fun models, Honda will launch more than 10 new electric motorcycle models by 2025, aiming to achieve annual sales of electric motorcycles of 1 million and 3.5 million (about 3.5 million of the total sales in the next 5 years). 15%)) or 2030.
The details of the product launch plan are as follows:
(1) Commuter electric vehicle
Demand for commercial electric motorcycle models has been on the rise in recent years as companies become more environmentally conscious. To meet such demand, Honda launched the Honda e: business bike series model and accelerated the global launch of commercial electric motorcycles.In addition to supplying Honda e:Business bike series models to Japan Post and Vietnam Post*2 For mail delivery, Honda is currently conducting joint trials with Thailand Post Co., Ltd.*3and plans to start production and sales of Benly e: in Thailand before the end of this month. Equipped with the Honda Mobile Power Pack (MPP) replaceable battery, these Honda e: Business Bike series models are ideal for business uses such as small package delivery and address key challenges such as range and charging time. Achieving the widespread use of electric motorcycles needs to be solved urgently.
For personal use, Honda plans to launch two commuter EV models between 2024 and 2025 Asia, Europe and Japan. Looking ahead to future market conditions, uses and technological advancements, Honda is exploring a range of future personal use models, including models with power sources other than replaceable batteries.
(2) Commuter Minorities*4 /EB*5
Currently, EMs and EBs account for more than 90% of industry-wide electric motorcycle sales (about 50 million units).exist China, the world’s largest market for electric motorcycles, EMs/EBs are widely used as a convenient form of daily mobility, and Honda provides such products by leveraging its local supplier infrastructure and development/manufacturing operations. Given that demand for EM/EB will expand globally, Honda plans to launch a total of five compact and affordable EM and EB models between now and 2024. Asia, Europe and Japanalso China.
(3) Interesting electric car
In addition to commuter EVs, Honda is also actively developing electric models in the “FUN” category.Based on the FUN EV platform currently under development, Honda plans to launch a total of three large FUN EV models JapanUnited States and Europe Between 2024 and 2025. Honda will also introduce Kids Fun EV models designed to pass the joy of riding to the next generation.
*2 Vietnam Post Service
*3 Thailand postal service
*4 Electric moped category. Maximum speed: 25km/h – 50km/h
*5 Electric bicycle category, excluding electric assist bicycles. Maximum speed: 25km/h or less.
<High-efficiency “Monozukuri” that expands electric vehicle lineup and sales>
Honda will develop and apply an electric motorcycle platform that combines the three core components of an electric vehicle – battery, PCU and motor – through the development and application of the ICE-powered vehicle platform with its competitive Monozukuri know-how. – with motorcycle body. Satisfying customer needs with the efficient Monozukuri, Honda will continue to provide the fun of the move with affordable electric motorcycle models.
In terms of batteries, the core component of electric vehicles, Honda’s goal is to equip its electric motorcycle models with all-solid-state batteries, and Honda is currently actively using its own resources for development.
3. Smoother and smarter use of electric motorcycles
<Initiatives to strengthen charging infrastructure and standardize batteries>
Enhanced charging infrastructure and standardization of battery specifications are critical for the widespread adoption of electric motorcycles. As part of strengthening its charging infrastructure, Honda is working to popularize battery sharing.
(1) The popularity of battery sharing
- Honda forms joint venture in China Indonesia, one of the major motorcycle markets, operates a battery-sharing service utilizing MPP and MPP-powered motorcycles.The joint venture is currently operating a battery-sharing service Bali.
- exist India, Honda plans to start offering battery-sharing services for electric three-wheeled taxis, so-called “rickshaws,” by the end of this year. Honda also plans to expand its plans to roll out battery sharing to other Asian countries.
- exist Japanin April this year, ENEOS Holdings, Inc. and Japan’s four major motorcycle manufacturers*6 The joint venture Gachaco, Inc. will provide electric motorcycles with a shared service of standardized replaceable batteries and develop the infrastructure for this service. The company plans to start offering a motorcycle battery-sharing service this fall.
(2) Battery standardization
- exist JapanFour major Japanese motorcycle manufacturers have agreed on common specifications for JASO TP21003-based replaceable batteries*7 Guidelines.
- Honda commits to standardization of replaceable batteries while participating in battery alliance Europe*8 and cooperate with partner companies India.
*6 Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha
*7 Society of Automotive Engineers JapanOrganization of Companies (JASO) Technical Document TP21003, “Guidelines for Replaceable Batteries for Electric Two-Wheelers”
*8 The Replaceable Battery Motorcycle Consortium (SBMC) was formed to achieve widespread adoption of electric motorcycles and other small electric vehicle products.
<Strengthen the field of software technology>
In order to increase the added value of electric motorcycles, Honda aims to transform its business from a business focused on non-recurring hardware (product) sales to a recurring business model that combines hardware and software.
In the area of software development, Honda is working with its software subsidiary Drivemode*9, to enhance the new value creation of its electric motorcycle products in the interconnected field. Starting with a commuter EV model planned for 2024, Honda will provide user experience (UX) features that continuously enrich ride quality through connectivity, such as best route selection considering remaining range, charging point notifications, safe riding guidance and sales post-service support.
Going forward, Honda will strive to build a connected platform that will generate greater value by connecting not only its motorcycles, but also Honda’s wide range of products, enabling interconnectivity beyond its product areas.
*9 Software developers who turned UX into mobility. Drivemode builds smarter, safer, connected driving technology for everyone on the road.
SOURCE HONDA
