Key highlights
- Honda Shine Electric patent reveals dual swappable battery packs, likely shared with Activa e.
- Design closely resembles the ICE Shine 100, suggesting a platform conversion strategy.
- Expected to be Honda’s first electric motorcycle for India’s commuter segment.
Honda appears to be gearing up for its first electric motorcycle in India, and it’s not a radical new concept. It’s a smart evolution of a familiar name. Recent patent leaks reveal a commuter-style electric bike that looks strikingly similar to the Shine 100, one of Honda’s best-selling models. The leaked design sketches show a cradle frame, single-piece seat, telescopic front forks, and twin rear shock absorbers, all pointing to a Shine-based platform.
But the real story lies in the powertrain. The Shine Electric is expected to feature two swappable battery packs, each rated at 1.5 kWh, just like the ones used in the Activa e. Combined, they offer a total capacity of 3 kWh, which should be enough for daily city commutes.
Smart packaging and shared infrastructure
Honda’s decision to reuse the Shine’s chassis is a clever move. It cuts down on development costs and speeds up time-to-market. The batteries are mounted on either side of the spine frame, tilted forward to mimic the ICE engine’s layout. A small gap between the packs allows airflow to cool the electronic control unit, which sits behind them.
This setup also aligns with Honda’s growing battery-swapping network, currently active in cities like Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai. If the Shine Electric uses the same battery modules as the Activa e, it can tap into this infrastructure from day one.
Design and Features
From the leaked images, the Shine Electric retains a commuter-friendly silhouette:
- Wraparound headlamp
- 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels
- Flat handlebar and grab rail
- Digital instrument cluster (likely, but not confirmed)
- No touchscreen or fancy tech, keeping costs in check
This is clearly a budget-focused electric motorcycle, aimed at riders who want reliability and low running costs without sacrificing familiarity.
Launch timeline and expectations
Honda hasn’t confirmed a launch date, but given the maturity of the patent and the existing battery tech, a 2026 debut seems likely. Pricing will be key. If Honda can position the Shine Electric under INR 1 lakh, it could shake up the commuter EV segment currently dominated by Revolt RV400, Oben Rorr EZ, and Pure EV EcoDryft.
Also read: Maharashtra orders closure of 90% Ola Electric stores
