Honda's Iconic Mopeds Get An Electric Twist

Honda’s Chinese subsidiary has unveiled the electric avatars of its iconic two-wheelers: the Cub, the Dax, and the Zoomer. Unsurprisingly, the green siblings are called the Cub e:, Dax e:, and Zoomer e:. 

Honda has retained the trio’s authentic design lines, while giving them a modern twist with an electric powertrain, working in conjunction with pedals. Though they look closer to electric mopeds, they come under the ‘Electric Bicycle’ classification as per Chinese regulations, with a top speed of less than or equal to 25kmph.

While they all look tastefully retro, they come with modern elements including an all-LED lighting, LCD instrument console with 4G smartphone connectivity, and even NFC-enabled operation because physical keys are so 1990s, right?

The trio are powered by a Bosch hub motor. Though the claimed range figures are still under wraps, expect them to offer around 30-50km of autonomy -- and even if users run out of juice, there’s still pedal power to the rescue. All the three are equipped with a disc up front, drum at the rear, telescopic fork and a rear monoshock (twin rear shock absorbers for the Zoomer e:). Staying true to its petrol-powered ancestor (read Honda Super Cub), the Cub e: rolls on large 17-inch alloys at both ends, whereas the other two get smaller units.

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Honda says these three EVs are a part of its plan to launch ten electric motorcycles globally by 2025. They’re also a part of the Japanese bikemaker’s ambitions of launching five “compact and affordable EM (electric moped) and EB (electric bicycle) models between now and 2024 across Asia (including China), Europe and Japan. That said, the company has confirmed that there are no plans to launch the trio in Japan. Likewise, these are electric evolution of legacy ICE products, which do not have the familiarity factor in the Indian market. Moreover, they are lifestyle electric offerings with minimal practicality - a combination of which works in extremely niche spaces. We’ll have to wait for the Honda Activa electric, then. If you’re keen on knowing more, check this out.