May 24, 2023
Honda EM1 e: electric scooter officially launched
The 50cc-equivalent Honda EM1 e: electric scooter has been officially launched
The 50cc-equivalent Honda EM1 e: electric scooter has been officially launched by the Japanese manufacturer, and will arrive later this year.
Honda has officially launched its first production electric motorcycle, in the form of the Honda EM1 e: electric scooter, which you cannot buy.
The Honda EM1 e:'s name comprises three important points. First the "EM" stands for "electric moped", "1" indicates that it is Honda's first electric moped, and "e:" designates it as part of Honda's e-mobility range.
In terms of competition, it will go up against Yamaha's NEO's, which launched last year and remains technically unchanged for 2023, although it does get a new colour.
To go into battle against its compatriot electric scooter, Honda's EM1 e: features a 1.7kW/2.3 horsepower (at peak) motor that can achieve a top speed of 45kph (30mph), as well as Honda's own removable lithium-ion battery, called Honda Mobile Power Pack e:. This means a maximum range of 48km (30 miles) when using the ECON (presumably meaning 'economy') mode, although Honda notes that in WMTC Class 1 testing conditions the range was only 30km (18.6 miles).
The battery is also capable of charging from 25% to 75% in 160 minutes, and brings with it a new sales method. Instead of just walking into a Honda dealer and buying yourself an EM1 e:, you have to lease it. This, Honda says, is "To ensure customers do not have to take responsibility for the disposal or recycling of the Honda Mobile Power Pack e:." When you do lease one, you can have it in any of the following three colours: "Pearl Sunbeam White", "Digital Silver Metallic", and "Matte Ballistic Black Metallic".
Braking on the EM1 e: will be done via a front disc brake and a rear drum which operate through a CBS system. There are also twin rear shock absorbers, telescopic front forks, and the whole bike weighs 95kg, including the 10kg battery.
When it comes to ergonomics, the Honda EM1 e: 3.3 litres of underseat storage, as well as a compartment in the left side of the fairing front sized to hold a 500ml bottle. There is also a USB port from which a phone can be charged, and a hook to hang a bag from. If more storage space is required, Honda has a 35-litre top box available as an add-on.
The official launch of the bike comes after Honda's commitment in September 2022 to produce at least 10 different electric powered two-wheeler (PTW) models by 2025.
Honda has not yet announced a launch date for the EM1 e:, or when it might arrive in dealers. Since it was announced at the end of last year, and has been officially revealed now, in mid-May 2023, it should be assumed that some time later in 2023 we will see them landing.
MOTOR
Electric motor type
In-wheel 3 phase brushless motor
Top Speed
45km/h
Maximum Power
1.7kW
Maximum Torque
90.0Nm
Range (per Mode)
WMTC Mode (Class 1) - 30.0km*
Usable range (internal testing conditions) - 41.3km
Usable range in ECON mode (internal testing conditions) – 48.0km
*WMTC mode testing indicates the range covered at full power. Further distance can be travelled up to 41.3km with restricted power.
Energy Consumption (WMTC Class 1)
47 Wh/km
BATTERY
Battery type
Lithium ion
Battery voltage
50.3V
Battery capacity
29.4Ah
Total number of battery packs
1
Battery fixing type
Removable
Battery Technology
Honda Mobile Power Pack e:
Battery weight
10.3kg
Battery dimension
298mm (L) x 177mm (D) x 156mm (H)
Charger type
Off-board type. Single-phase AC100-240V 50/60Hz.
Charging time (0-100%)
6.0 hours. Charging time may vary depending on the charging environment
Charging time (25-75%)
2.7 hours (160 minutes). Charging time may vary depending on the charging environment
Rated Power
270 Watts
Battery Lifecycle
Over 2,500 charging cycles (internal testing conditions)
CHASSIS
Frame Type
Underbone type
Dimensions (L´W´H)
1860mm x 680mm x 1080mm
Wheelbase
1300mm
Caster Angle
27 degrees
Trail
77mm
Seat Height
740mm
Ground Clearance
135mm
Vehicle weight (with battery)
95kg
Turning radius
2.0m
Suspension Front
Telescopic forks
Suspension Rear
Twin shock
WHEELS
Wheels Front
Cast type
Wheels Rear
Composite
Tyres Front
90/90 – 12
Tyres Rear
100/90 – 10
BRAKES
Type
CBS
Brakes Front
Disk
Brakes Rear
Drum
INSTRUMENTS & ELECTRICS
Instruments
LCD
Headlight
LED
Taillight
LED
USB
Yes – Type A
Key type
Standard
OTHER
Load capacity
180kg
Seat length
590mm
Seating Capacity
2
Climbing Angle
10°@ 75kg
The 50cc-equivalent Honda EM1 e: electric scooter has been officially launched by the Japanese manufacturer, and will arrive later this year. Honda has officially launched its first production electric motorcycle, in the form of the Honda EM1 e: electric scooter, which you cannot buy.