Last year, Royal Enfield had confirmed that the company is working on electric bikes that will be developed at its UK R&D based centre. In fact, the two-wheeler maker has prepared their prototypes and said to be done lots of preparations on technology and consumer front. Recently, Siddhartha Lal, Eicher Motors Managing Director, revealed that the company has no plan to launch electric motorcycles anytime soon. There are two reasons why the company isn’t in hurry to foray into the electric vehicle segment.
Firstly, the EV market isn’t developed enough for electric bikes in the country. As of now, the market share of electric motorcycles in the total domestic two-wheeler (bikes) sales is negligible. The company believes that the value proposition for EVs (especially bikes) will improve in the next few years. Secondly, Royal Enfield is focussing at the long-term prospects and it aims to come with sorted products and ecosystem.
The upcoming Royal Enfield electric bikes will underpin a new EV platform and come under the brand’s 2.0 strategy. The EV motorcycles are likely to be offered with the latest connectivity features including a touchscreen TFT display. These could be powered by an electric motor and battery pack ranging from 8 to 10kWh. The electric motor is likely to deliver power close to 40bhp and 100Nm of torque.
Meanwhile, the Chennai-based bikemaker is all set to launch the new-generation Royal Enfield Classic 350 on August 27, 2021. The new model will share its platform and engine with the RE Meteor 350. It will be 15mm shorter and 5mm less wider than the current generation. The wheelbase continues to measure 1390mm.
The bike will receive a semi digital instrument console, Tripper navigation system, newly-designed alloy wheels, slightly shifted foot pegs, smaller handlebars and seat with better cushioning. As mentioned above, the 2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350 will use the new 49.34cc, single-cylinder SOHC engine delivering power worth 20bhp and 27Nm of torque.
