The Royal Enfield electric adventure concept could boast a jointly developed platform with Spain-based Stark Future, which came into Royal Enfield’s fold in 2023
Royal Enfield will reveal the new generation Himalayan 450 officially tomorrow as the EICMA 2023 show opens its doors in Milan, Italy. The dual purpose adventure tourer will reportedly be accompanied by a brand new concept. It will be an electric adventure tourer as Royal Enfield could give us an early preview of its zero-emission future with this concept.
The speculations surrounding Royal Enfield’s foray into the EV space have existed for long. Previously, prototype images were leaked online and Siddhartha Lal, Managing Director at Eicher Motor, confirmed that EVs would play an integral role in the retro motorcycle maker’s future and drive growth moving forward in the distant future.
It was said to be shortlisting supplier partners for battery management systems, controllers and electric motors with an aim to roll out a “gorgeous and disruptive motorcycle” according to B Govindarajan, CEO of Royal Enfield. The EV business would draw a significant portion of the allotted Rs. 1,500 crore capital expenditure too.
The electrified adventure concept could boast a jointly developed platform with Spain-based Stark Future, which came into Royal Enfield’s fold in 2023. It may use the same architecture found in the VARG dirt bike. The global motorcycle manufacturers are stepping up to the plate to bring up a whole new range of electrified two-wheelers and Royal Enfield wouldn’t want to be left behind.
Umesh Krishnappa, Chief Technical Officer, is at the forefront of the project development and he along with Mario Alvisi, a former Ducati top honcho, reports to Govindarajan. A new team of engineers has also been recruited to accelerate the R&D activities and preliminary test prototypes are already up and running.
The Chennai-based manufacturer will roll out the first EVs from a new production line in its existing factory in Oragadam while new land has been acquired in Cheyyar exclusively for its electric vehicle operations. The fight for supremacy in the electric two-wheeler segment has been a slow burner in the domestic market but lately, new start ups have come in to meet the requirements.