Royal Enfield’s first electric bike is slated to hit roads towards the end of 2024. Internally known as the ‘Electrik01’, the e-bike is currently in its initial development phase. Besides this, the company is also working on a dedicated EV platform (codenamed ‘L’) that will be co-developed with the Spain-based EV two-wheeler start-up – Stark Future SL. For people not in the know, Eicher Motors (the parent company of Royal Enfield) made a strategic investment in Stark Future SL in December 2022.
Under this partnership, both companies will co-develop bikes in the future. Royal Enfield will take advantage of Stark’s technology for its future electric platforms. With an initial equity investment of €50 million (Rs 439 crore), Eicher Motors took a 10.35 percent equity stake in Stark Future SL. It’s a long-term partnership under which both brands will collaboratively perform R&D for electric motorcycles, manufacturing and technical licensing.
The first Royal Enfield electric bike is reported to feature a 96V system that’s said to provide high performance. The company’s new L-platform will support multiple body styles that will be categorised as L1A, L1B and L1C. The leaked images suggest that the RE Electrik01 will carry classic design elements and come with high quality tactile finishes. It will have a unique chassis sporting two frame tubes emerging from either side of the headstock.
Royal Enfield’s Upcoming Models
The Chennai-based bikemaker has been developing two new 350cc, four 450cc and six new 650cc motorcycles. The highly-popular Royal Enfield Bullet 350 will also enter into its new generation in 2023 or 2024. The bike will underpin a new platform and use the 346cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine borrowed from the Meteor 350. Major changes will be made to its design as well. The new Bullet 350 will get chrome treatment around the headlamp, rear view mirrors and taillamp.
