Yamaha India has made a significant decision to cancel the launch of the Yamaha Neo’s electric scooter in the Indian market. Instead, the company plans to introduce a new electric scooter that embodies Yamaha’s sporty DNA and offers a higher aspirational value to consumers. This upcoming electric vehicle (EV) from Yamaha is expected to deliver enhanced performance and a greater range compared to the Neo’s electric scooter.
Change of Plans: Yamaha Scraps Neo’s Electric Scooter Launch
The Yamaha team has shifted gears and abandoned its plans to launch the Yamaha Neo’s electric scooter in India. Yamaha India Chairman, Eishin Chihana, previously expressed the company’s interest in bringing an adapted version of the Yamaha Neo’s electric scooter to the Indian market. However, the model’s limited range of 37km falls short of the expectations of Indian consumers, especially in a market where popular EV brands like Ola S1 Pro, Ather 450X, and TVS iQube offer real-world ranges of over 100km on a single charge.
Aiming for Performance and Aspiration
Chairman Chihana highlighted that Yamaha’s EV customers in the European market prioritize eco-friendliness and sustainability. Conversely, the average Indian customer seeks a cost-effective offering. Yamaha’s existing portfolio of internal combustion engine (ICE) motorcycles already includes stylish, sporty, and economical options. The brand is renowned for its Racing Blue paint scheme and performance-oriented offerings. Yamaha aims to carry forward this DNA and brand value into its first EV offering for the Indian market.
Challenges in a Changing Landscape
With the Indian government tightening incentives for EVs, selling a premium electric scooter with a limited range per charge becomes a more challenging proposition for manufacturers. Yamaha recognizes this shift and plans to leverage its motorsport heritage and brand reputation to introduce a unique electric two-wheeler for the Indian market.
Timeline for Yamaha’s Electric Two-Wheeler Launch
Yamaha India Chairman, Eishin Chihana, indicates that the company will take its time to develop a product that embodies Yamaha’s intrinsic qualities, resulting in a delay of two to three years before the first Yamaha EV reaches the market. This timeframe reflects Yamaha’s commitment to delivering a compelling electric scooter that aligns with the brand’s core values and meets the evolving demands of Indian consumers.
