It has been almost eight years since Honda and Yamaha signed that first agreement in which both companies had begun discussions towards a possible commercial alliance in the Japanese market in the “Class-1 category”, which would include scooters with 50 cc engines or electric motors. Even then there was talk of “collaboration for the popularization of electric motorcycles in the Class-1 category”.
Following that first announcement in July 2017, the E-KIZUNA Project was launched in Saitama City. At that time, both manufacturers embarked on a project that aimed to find solutions to three clear objectives:
- Reducing CO₂ emissions
- The spread of electric motorcycles
- Solving transportation problems in areas with accessibility issues
Honda to supply Yamaha with electric scooters for the Japanese market
Subsequently, in April 2019, Honda and Yamaha, together with Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. and Suzuki Motor Corporation, established the Electric Motorcycle Swappable Battery Consortium with the aim of popularizing electric motorcycle models.
The Consortium discussed the possibility of standardizing interchangeable batteries for mutual use, and their exchange systems, as one of the solutions to address the key challenges in the popularization of electric motorcycles (range and charging time), and reached an agreement to standardize (establish common specifications) in March 2021.
Now Honda and Yamaha are joining hands again as part of this business strategy. The former will be responsible for supplying Yamaha with electric motorcycle models for the Japanese market, based on the Honda “EM1 e:” and “EM2 e:” models. “Benly and: I” Class-1 category powered by the interchangeable battery Honda Mobile Power Pack e: that meet common specifications.
Through this collaboration, the two companies will continue to offer electric motorcycle models that meet the needs of more customers in the Class 1 category, which is a popular category for both personal mobility and commercial uses.
The two companies will improve their product line and continue to address various challenges facing electric motorcycles, such as range, charging time, performance and cost, as the two companies strive to contribute to the realization of a carbon-neutral society.
