Yamaha Motor India is actively exploring the possibility of developing a local electric vehicle (EV) platform tailored for the Indian market.
This strategic move aims to address the unique challenges and demands of Indian consumers. Itaru Otani, Chairman of Yamaha Motor India Group, revealed that the company is contemplating a platform concept that suits local conditions.
Yamaha has invested in River, a Bengaluru-based EV startup backed by Toyota. This investment signals Yamaha’s interest in the Indian electric two-wheeler segment. The company is studying the feasibility of leveraging River’s platform for future EV products. Otani mentioned that River is making significant progress in the EV market, and Yamaha is considering utilizing their platform.
The Indian EV market presents several challenges, particularly in meeting customer expectations related to price, range, and speed. Yamaha is considering a performance-oriented approach for India, believing that high-performance EVs align better with its brand positioning. However, Otani cautioned that such models require larger batteries, making them more expensive in India’s price-sensitive market.
Yamaha NEO’s
The NEO’s electric scooter made its debut in Europe in 2022 and has tested River’s scooter in Japan and other Asian markets as part of a proof-of-concept study. Unlike several competitors entering the affordable electric scooter segment, Yamaha is focusing on performance-oriented electric scooters. This approach aligns with Yamaha’s brand ethos but presents challenges in terms of cost.
Despite active discussions and ongoing research, Yamaha has not disclosed its India EV launch timeline. Otani confirmed that the company has a defined roadmap but refrained from providing specific details. With major competitors like Honda and Suzuki launching electric models in 2025, the pressure is mounting on Yamaha to finalize its EV strategy for India.
Yamaha’s exploration of a two-wheeler EV platform for India is a promising development. The focus on performance-oriented electric scooters could set Yamaha apart in the competitive market. However, the challenge lies in balancing performance with affordability.
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