Honda’s electric E-VO is for China only at present

Honda has officially launched its first full-size production electric motorcycle, the E-VO.

It looks like a retro-styled cafe racer and is initially for the Chinese market where it is built. 

Beneath the round headlight and retro bodywork is a forged aluminium frame, a cast aluminium swingarm and a mid-mounted motor. It is good for 15-16kW, depending on battery size.

It evidently hikes from 0-50km/h in 2.8sec and manages up to 120km/h in triple-battery format. 

Read our review of Honda’s E-Clutch system.

The standard version runs a 4.1kWh lithium-ion battery, weighs 143kg and has a range of around 120km. Meanwhile, the ‘triple-battery’ variant has 6.2kWh, weighs in at 156kg and run for 170km before needing a recharge. Both versions support Honda’s swappable battery tech.

It takes 1.5 hours to charge from 20–80 per cent at home while the triple-battery version requires 2.5 hours.

E-VO features four ride modes, TC, ABS, a reverse gear, hill-hold function and cruise control.

It also has an adaptive LED headlight,  a side stand interlock and USB-A and USB-C charge ports.

A seven-inch full-colour TFT dash supports full-screen navigation and there’s also a rearview monitor. The key is activated via smartphone with Bluetooth unlock. An app lets you check bike status remotely. There’s room for a smartphone in the ‘tank area’ too.

This is a full-sized motorcycle with USD forks, and a monoshock at the rear. Stopping power comes from disc brakes at both ends. 

Whether it will make its way outside of China is not yet clear.