Yamaha’s India Chairman, Eishin Chihana, revealed a shift in the company’s electric scooter plans. Originally planning to adapt the Neo’s electric scooter for the Indian market, Yamaha has now decided to develop an entirely new premium electric vehicle that emphasizes style and performance.
The initial plan was to introduce an adapted version of the Neo’s scooter in India, with improvements in range over the European model’s 37km. However, Yamaha observed that Indian electric vehicle customers have different priorities compared to their European counterparts. In India, the primary motivation for buying electric scooters is low running costs, especially with soaring petrol prices. In contrast, European buyers often opt for EVs due to environmental concerns.
Recognizing this distinction, Yamaha decided to shift its focus towards creating an exciting, stylish, and sporty electric scooter for the Indian market, rather than chasing high sales volumes. Chihana emphasized that the new scooter should contribute to strengthening Yamaha’s brand image in India.
While this shift means a longer wait for Yamaha’s electric scooter, it reflects the company’s commitment to delivering a unique and compelling product. Yamaha has already initiated the project and anticipates a two to three-year timeline before the new electric scooter is ready for launch.
Although the Neo’s was visually appealing, it lacked the performance and range necessary to compete with the best electric scooters available in India. Yamaha’s revised strategy aims to address these shortcomings, providing Indian consumers with an electric scooter that combines style, performance, and affordability.