Suzuki set to throw its hat into the electric motorcycle ring

Suzuki is set to become the latest high-profile manufacturer to develop an EV range of scooters and motorcycles with a launch slated for 2021 in India.

Though the larger displacement motorcycle market has been relatively hesitant to commit to electric amid government crackdowns on emissions targets, there is an increasing booming scooter EV market in both Asia and Europe.

With this in mind, Suzuki Motorcycle India MD Koichiro Hirao has confirmed to Autocar India that the company is working on an EV platform for India at least, though doesn’t confirm whether this will take the form of scooter or a motorcycle.

Though a number of local companies have begun offering electric models in India as the government works hard to meet strict emissions targets, since international companies have factory bases in the country it is likely such models will be available overseas.

Recently it was leaked that Husqvarna is working on an electric scooter that will be available worldwide – potentially with a sister model from KTM also being developed – based on the already available Bajaj Chetak.

KTM is also planning to offer a range of performance electric motorcycles in the next few years, while the likes of Honda and Yamaha have also investigated the possibility of electrifying models. Triumph is also expected to follow suit following its own manufacturing deal with Indian giants Bajaj.

Suzuki recently confirmed it would be slimming its slow-selling Bergman scooter ranges in Europe, potentially paving the way for a new model to be available on an electric platform.