Honda: Honda Keeps Making EV Motorcycle Concepts, But When Will They Actually Launch?

While new manufacturers are going all-in on electric motorcycles, bigger brands like Honda, Yamaha, and Ducati are taking a more measured approach. It's not that they're resistant to EVs-far from it. Instead, they're carefully feeling out the market, ensuring they don't jump ahead of demand and suffer the same fate as several startups that expanded too quickly and collapsed just as fast. That's why we're seeing cautious but deliberate steps from these industry giants rather than an all-out electric revolution. Honda has been inching toward electrification, focusing heavily on practical and scalable solutions rather than diving headfirst into high-performance electric motorcycles. A prime example of this is its Mobile Power Pack e:, a swappable battery system designed for scooters and light motorcycles. The EM1 e:, launched in 2023, is one such example, aimed at urban commuters looking for convenience and ease of use. Then, there were the concepts Honda teased at EICMA. The EV Fun was a stylish little electric roadster with aggressive, hyper-naked-inspired aesthetics, while the Urban concept hinted at a more practical city scooter, sort of like BMW's CE-04. Both showed that Honda is thinking beyond scooters and working toward motorcycles that are engaging to ride while still being commuter-friendly. The latest sign that Honda is getting serious about electric motorcycles comes from its Chinese joint venture, Wuyang-Honda. The company recently type-approved a new model called the WH8000D, with design cues that suggest it'll be sold under the name "E-VO." First reported by Cycle World's Ben Purvis, the WH8000D is an interesting departure from Honda's previous EV offerings. Unlike the EM1 e: and other electric scooters, this is a proper motorcycle , not just a step-through with a bigger motor. The WH8000D is no superbike, but it's shaping up to be a fun city commuter with some sporty character. The bike features an 8 kW (around 11 horsepower) motor, which might not sound like much, but that's the continuous output-peak power could be significantly higher. Based on the numbers, it could perform similarly to a 150cc gas-powered motorcycle, which means it's zippy enough for urban riding and perhaps the odd blast up and down a twisty road. Proportions-wise, it doesn't appear to be a full-size machine but rather an electrified addition to Honda's Mini-Moto lineup. I'm guessing it's about the same size as a Grom or CFMoto Papio. And I'm also guessing that it'll be loved by casual riders, commuters, and maybe even stunters alike. Cycle World's report states that two versions of the bike have been approved: a lighter one at 143 kg (315 lbs) with a top speed of 110 kilometers per hour (68 miles per hour) and a heavier variant at 157 kg (345 lbs) that can hit 120 kilometers per hour (75 miles per hour). That's respectable for an electric commuter bike, putting it in the same class as many small displacement gas-powered models. The WH8000D-or E-VO, as it appears to be named, given the sticker on the fairing-isn't going to challenge high-performance electric bikes like those from the likes of Zero. Instead, it's shaping up to be a stylish city bike for riders who want something fun to ride and practical for daily use. With its full-faired cafe racer aesthetic, it has more visual appeal than the typical utilitarian electric scooter, which could help attract younger riders looking for something with a bit of character that's perfect for Instagram. One of the biggest questions surrounding this bike is whether it'll use Honda's swappable Mobile Power Pack e:. Honda has already invested heavily in battery-swapping infrastructure in countries like Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand. It's using the Power Pack e: to power everything from light scooters, to construction equipment, and even tourist boats. As such, expanding that ecosystem to a motorcycle like the E-VO just makes sense. All that being said, details on the E-VO's battery setup remain unclear. If Honda sticks with its existing tech, it could make the E-VO one of the more practical electric motorcycles in the market, allowing riders to quickly swap out a depleted battery instead of waiting hours for a recharge. That could be a game-changer for urban riders who need a reliable, low-hassle EV for daily commutes. While Honda may not be rushing into the electric motorcycle scene with high-performance superbikes, it's clearly laying the groundwork for a long-term EV strategy. The E-VO-if it ends up being an international model-could be a key piece of that puzzle. For now, we'll have to wait for official announcements, but this is a promising step toward a more diverse electric lineup from Honda. It might not be the ultimate electric sportbike we've been dreaming of, but as a stylish and practical commuter, the E-VO could be a compelling option for city riders looking to make the switch to electric.