Honda has just rolled out its first-ever electric motorcycle, the E-VO, and it’s turning heads with its blend of classic style and cutting-edge tech. Unveiled in China, this café racer-inspired e-bike is a bold step into the electric future for the Japanese giant, crafted in partnership with local brand Guangzhou under the Wuyang-Honda banner. While it’s exclusive to China for now, the E-VO’s sleek design and promising specs have sparked excitement worldwide. Here’s why this electric motorcycle is worth talking about.
A Design That Marries Retro and Modern
The Honda E-VO is a visual treat, channeling the soul of a classic café racer with a modern electric twist. Its round headlamp and bubble-style fairing give it a nostalgic vibe, while the full-faired body and boxy side panels add a contemporary edge. The bike features a single-piece seat, clip-on handlebars, and bar-end mirrors, creating a streamlined, rider-focused aesthetic. Rolling on a unique 16-inch front and 14-inch rear alloy wheel setup, the E-VO stands out as both stylish and unconventional.
Weighing in at 143 kg for the base model, the E-VO is built on a forged aluminum chassis, with the battery neatly tucked under the side panels. This design not only keeps the bike’s center of gravity low for better handling but also gives it a clean, cohesive look that’s sure to appeal to riders who value form as much as function.
Power and Performance: Electric Done Right
At the heart of the E-VO is a Permanent Magnet Synchronous (PMS) electric motor delivering 15.3 kW (20.5 bhp). It’s not a powerhouse by superbike standards, but it’s more than enough for spirited urban rides and short highway jaunts. The bike comes with two battery options: a 4.1 kWh pack offering a 120 km range and a 6.3 kWh pack pushing that to 170 km (based on WMTC standards). Fast charging is a highlight here—both variants can hit a full charge in just 90 minutes, making it practical for daily use.
With three riding modes, riders can tweak the E-VO’s performance to suit their mood, whether it’s zipping through city streets or cruising on open roads. The bike also boasts a front disc brake with ABS for confident stopping power, ensuring safety matches style.
Tech That Elevates the Ride
Honda didn’t skimp on features with the E-VO. A front dash cam comes standard, while the higher-end variant adds a rear dash cam for extra peace of mind. The dual 7-inch TFT displays are a standout, offering navigation, music controls, and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) in a crisp, user-friendly interface. These screens make the E-VO feel like a tech-savvy companion, perfect for riders who want connectivity without complexity.
Pricing and Availability
Priced at around 37,000 Yuan (roughly ₹4.39 lakh), the E-VO is a premium offering in China’s competitive electric two-wheeler market. For now, Honda has no plans to bring it to India, where the brand is focusing on its recently launched Activa e and QC1 electric scooters. But given the buzz around the E-VO, we can’t help but hope it might hit global markets someday.
Why the Honda E-VO Matters
Honda’s entry into the electric motorcycle space is a big deal. The E-VO isn’t just a bike; it’s a statement of intent from a brand that’s long dominated the two-wheeler world. By blending retro charm with electric efficiency, Honda is appealing to both nostalgia-driven riders and eco-conscious commuters. While its China-exclusive status limits its reach for now, the E-VO sets a high bar for what electric motorcycles can be—stylish, practical, and fun to ride.
As the world shifts toward sustainable mobility, the E-VO is a glimpse into Honda’s electric future. With plans to roll out more electric two-wheelers globally, this café racer could be the first of many exciting rides to come. Stay tuned for what’s next from Honda’s electric revolution!