- HMSI can collaborate with rival automakers for battery swapping technology and maybe charging infrastructure as well
- HMSI is yet to make a discussion and frame a formal proposal regarding the move
- BS6 emission norms for petrol vehicles are set to be enforced from April 1, 2020 onwards
- Honda does have its own battery swapping tech but teaming up with other brands will be economical
Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) is reportedly open to the idea of partnering with rival two-wheeler manufacturers to explore solutions that can enhance electric mobility.
In an interaction with the Times Of India, Minoru Kato, President and CEO of HMSI, stated that it is possible for the brand to collaborate with rival automakers for battery swapping technology and maybe charging infrastructure as well.
That being said, Kato revealed that the brand is yet to make a discussion and frame a formal proposal regarding the move. The Indian Government’s thinktank NITI Aayog made a proposal that all petrol-powered two-wheelers below 150cc will have to be replaced by electric ones by 2025.
Going forward
The proposal is yet to be finalised but on the other hand, BS6 emission norms for petrol vehicles are set to be enforced from April 1, 2020 onwards. Many manufacturers including Honda feel that such a major transition to electric vehicles within a gap of just five years is too early, especially considering the bulk of two-wheelers sold in the country displace 150cc and below.
Honda does have its own battery swapping tech. However, this technology would prove to be too costly for Honda to implement nationwide as a standalone system. Hence, teaming up with other brands does make good business sense.
