Royal Enfield, one of the world’s oldest motorcycle brands (founded in 1901), has finally entered the electric vehicle market with three new motorcycles. The company took its time developing these bikes to ensure they maintained the authentic Royal Enfield experience while embracing new technology.
The Development Journey
Royal Enfield began serious electric development about five years ago by:
- Establishing a dedicated EV center in the UK in 2019
- Acquiring electric motorcycle startup Axial Flux in 2021
- Conducting extensive testing (over 100,000 kilometers) in both the UK and India
- Focusing on creating an authentic riding experience rather than just technical specifications
The Three New Electric Motorcycles
1. Stride Platform (Urban Commuter)
- Price: Rs. 2.25 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Battery: 8 kWh
- Motor: Hub-mounted, 11 kW (15 hp), 100 Nm torque
- Range: 120 kilometers in city
- Weight: 188 kg
- Seat Height: 790 mm
- Target: Urban commuters, new customers who haven’t considered Royal Enfield before
2. Glide Platform (Versatile All-Rounder)
- Price: Rs. 3.10 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Battery: 12 kWh
- Motor: Mid-mounted, 22 kW (30 hp), 80 Nm torque
- Range: 150 kilometers on highway (70 km/h), 200+ kilometers in city
- Style: Similar to the Interceptor 650
- Target: Versatile use for both daily commuting and weekend rides
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3. Heritage Electric (Flagship Experience)
- Price: Rs. 3.75 lakh (ex-showroom) for base variant
- Battery: 16 kWh
- Motor: 35 kW (47 hp), 120 Nm torque
- Range: 220 kilometers on highway, 250+ kilometers in city
- Weight: 230 kg
- Style: Resembles the Classic 350 with traditional design elements
- Target: Traditional Royal Enfield enthusiasts who want electric power without sacrificing character
The Ownership Experience
Royal Enfield is creating a complete ecosystem to support electric motorcycle owners:
Charging Options
- Standard household outlets (8-12 hours for full charge)
- 3.3 kW home wallboxes (overnight charging)
- DC fast charging (80% charge in under 40 minutes for larger models)
Battery Program
- “Battery Evolve” program allows owners to upgrade to newer battery technology after four years at a discount
- Helps early adopters benefit from future improvements in battery technology
Service Network
- Training at least two EV-certified technicians at each of 2,100+ service centers in India
- Specialized equipment and safety protocols for electric motorcycle maintenance
Rollout Plans
- Initial launch in eight major Indian cities starting October 2024
- Expansion to more Indian markets by January 2025
- International launch (Europe and UK) planned for mid-2025
- Initial production capacity: 8,000 units monthly across all models
Target Customers
Royal Enfield is targeting two main groups:
- Existing owners (about 30% express interest in electric as their next bike)
- Urban professionals who like the brand but haven’t bought conventional motorcycles due to practical or environmental concerns
Unique Features
- The Heritage Electric includes carefully designed sound and subtle vibration patterns
- Not trying to mimic traditional engines but creating a new type of rider feedback
- Maintaining traditional motorcycle proportions and weight distribution
Key Questions
Q: Why did Royal Enfield take so long to enter the electric motorcycle market?
A: The company wanted to ensure their electric motorcycles would be authentically Royal Enfield rather than just generic electric bikes with their badge. They spent years developing motorcycles that preserved the brand’s character while embracing new technology.
Q: How is Royal Enfield addressing charging concerns?
A: Instead of building their own charging network, they’ve partnered with existing providers to offer preferential rates. Their motorcycles support multiple charging options from standard outlets to fast charging, and they offer a unique battery upgrade program to help owners benefit from future technology improvements.
In Summary
Royal Enfield’s electric motorcycle launch represents a significant moment for the 123-year-old brand. Rather than rushing to market, they’ve taken a thoughtful approach that honors their heritage while looking toward the future. By offering three distinct models targeting different rider needs, they’ve created multiple pathways for both existing customers and new enthusiasts to experience the Royal Enfield brand in the electric era.
The success of these electric motorcycles will depend on many factors including infrastructure development, government policies, and motorcyclists’ willingness to embrace electric propulsion. However, Royal Enfield has positioned itself well by approaching electrification as an opportunity to reinterpret their brand values rather than simply responding to market pressure.