Electric version of Honda Shine 100 unveiled through patent filings
Honda Motor Company is set to enter the electric motorcycle market in India with an exciting new offering. The upcoming electric motorcycle, expected to be launched in the coming years, will be based on the popular Shine 100 chassis.
The electric version of the Shine retains much of its petrol counterpart's mechanical components, including the headlamp, suspension, seat, wheels, and handlebar. However, the heart of the bike has undergone a significant transformation. The internal combustion engine has been replaced with an electric motor, and the fuel tank has been swapped for dual removable battery packs, similar to those used in Honda's Activa e.
The battery packs are positioned in a manner that resembles the engine layout of the Shine 100, with each pack weighing approximately 10.2 kg. To ensure efficient cooling, a gap has been created between the two battery packs, allowing for airflow. This design decision is expected to improve the bike's performance and longevity.
The electric motor is attached using the existing mounts from the Shine 100, and the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) is located right behind the battery packs. The bike's design is a slight modification of the existing Shine 100 platform, with necessary adaptations to integrate the electric drivetrain components.
The decision to use the Shine 100's chassis helps save time and money in the development process. In 2023 alone, the Shine 100 sold more than 300,000 units in India, making it a popular choice among commuters.
The electric Shine aims to leverage swappable battery technology to enhance user convenience in urban commuting, similar to the battery swapping network supporting the Activa e electric scooter. However, the patent application for the Shine electric motorcycle does not reveal detailed design and technologies of the upcoming motorcycle.
The launch timeline for the electric Shine is yet to be announced, but it is expected to come to the Indian market within a few years. Honda may adopt a cautious approach before launch to gauge market response to affordable electric two-wheelers by other brands.
This approach aligns with Honda's strategy to expand its electric two-wheeler range cost-effectively while offering practical features like battery swapping and retaining trusted Shine design elements. The electric Shine, if launched, would be the first of its kind by Honda in India, marking a significant step forward in Honda's electric vehicle portfolio following its existing models like the QC1 and Activa e.
| Feature | Details | |------------------------------|--------------------------------------------| | Base Model | Honda Shine 100 chassis | | Powertrain | Electric motor replacing ICE engine | | Battery | Dual removable/swappable packs (~1.5 kWh each) | | Cooling | Gap between batteries for airflow and cooling | | Shared Components | Headlamp, suspension, seat, wheels, handlebar (from Shine petrol) | | Design | Similar to Shine 100 with EV adaptations | | Launch Timeline | Expected in a few years; no exact date yet | | Market | India, targeting affordable electric commuter segment |
Technology has been integrated into the upcoming electric motorcycle by Honda, as they replace the internal combustion engine with an electric motor and implement swappable battery packs, similar to those used in Honda's Activa e. The sports segment may witness a new contender, as the electric Shine will leverage swappable battery technology for enhanced urban commuting convenience, following Honda's strategy to expand their electric two-wheeler range.
