Yamaha Motor is actively exploring the possibility of developing a local electric vehicle (EV) platform for India, but a final decision is pending, according to Itaru Otani, chairman of Yamaha Motor India. While the company has a defined EV strategy, it has not disclosed any specific timeline for its entry into the Indian electric two-wheeler market. Sources say a Yamaha EV will likely be on the road in the next few years. The ambiguity is only around whether it will be on a local or global platform.

1. Yamaha has invested in River, which sells the Indie electric scooter
2. It believes that performance-oriented EVs align better with the brand  
3. The launch timeline for Yamaha EVs has not yet been disclosed

“We usually develop electric vehicles based on a platform concept. Ensuring they align with the Indian market is a key factor we need to focus on,” Otani said. He acknowledged that choosing between a global platform and a locally developed platform remains a key strategic decision and said that speed and execution will be crucial in Yamaha’s approach.

Investment in River and potential EV strategy

Yamaha’s investment in River, a Bengaluru-based EV startup backed by Toyota, signals its interest in the Indian electric two-wheeler segment. The company is currently studying the feasibility of leveraging River’s platform for future EV products. “River is making progress in the EV market, and they are doing a good job. We are studying the possibility of utilising their platform,” Otani stated.

Yamaha has invested in River, an e-scooter startup that sells the Indie, pictured above with River co-founders Aravind Mani and Vipin George.  

However, Otani acknowledged the challenges of the Indian EV market, particularly in meeting customer expectations related to price, range and speed. Yamaha introduced the NEO’s electric scooter in Europe in 2022 and has tested River’s scooter in Japan and other Asian markets as part of a proof-of-concept study.

Yamaha’s EV focus: performance over mass market

Unlike several competitors entering the affordable electric scooter segment, Yamaha is considering a performance-oriented approach for India. The company believes that high-performance EVs align better with its brand positioning. Though, Otani cautioned that such models require larger batteries, making them more expensive, which is a challenge in the country’s price-sensitive market.

“At this moment, most of the Indian EV market consists of small scooters. We are considering performance-oriented electric scooters, as that aligns with Yamaha’s brand. However, high performance means bigger batteries, which are expensive. This is one of the challenges we are evaluating,” he explained.

No disclosure on India EV timeline

Despite active discussions and ongoing research, Yamaha has remained tight-lipped about its India EV launch timeline. While Otani confirmed that the company has a defined roadmap, he refrained from providing any details. “The timeline has been defined, but we cannot disclose it at this moment.”

With major competitors like Honda and Suzuki launching electric models in 2025, the pressure is mounting on Yamaha to finalise its EV strategy for India. However, the company appears to be taking a measured approach, ensuring that its entry aligns with market readiness and consumer expectations. 

With inputs from KIRAN MURALI