Yamaha Motor India turned up the acceleration on its move toward electric vehicles, launching two new EV scooters—the AEROX-E and EC-06. The petrol version AEROX is already one among the sought-after "superscooters"—a bike engine in a scooter format, and it has received the love of ardent fans. The EV version will help it expand its foothold in the increasingly EV-friendly world of Athers, Olas and Chetaks.
The Japanese two-wheeler maker on Wednesday unveiled both EV models alongside two new petrol motorcycles.
The AEROX-E is positioned as a high-performance electric scooter, marking Yamaha's entry into the premium EV segment. Equipped with a powerful 9.4-kilowatt electric motor, dual detachable 3-kilowatt-hour batteries, and a certified range of 106km, it looks to blend the brand's identity with sustainable riding.
The scooter features multiple riding modes—Eco, Standard, Power, and Boost—twin LED headlights, a large colour touchscreen, and app-based connectivity for navigation and maintenance reminders.
The EC-06 is a more muted offering, targeting the everyday commuter. With a more modest 4.5-kilowatt motor and a fixed 4-kilowatt-hour battery, it delivers a generous 160km certified range, putting it on par with the standard Ather. It has a 24.5L under-seat storage.
Yamaha also offers users the ease of charging: You can charge it at home using a standard plug in around 9 hours.
Yamaha EV move too late?
But is this move too late? The electric two-wheeler market in India has slowed considerably compared to 2024, plagued by supply chain disruptions and the withdrawal of government subsidies that previously incentivised adoption. Brands like Ather grew because they timed the market well, with great offerings.
Yamaha Motor India Group Chairman Itaru Otani told agencies that the company acknowledged these headwinds, but stressed that Yamaha is prioritising a "step-by-step process" to establish a firm footing in India, focusing on quality products and strong sales-and-service networks.
This means that Yamaha plans to introduce both EVs gradually, starting from India's top four cities where EV adoption has gained traction.
Pricing and market rollout details are expected in the first quarter of 2026.
Moreover, Yamaha India plans to introduce ten new models by the end of 2026 in a bid to eventually utilise the full annual production capacity of 15 lakh units across factories in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
The company, along with the EVs, also launched two petrol motorcycles—a premium segment XSR155, and a deluxe segment FZ-RAVE. Delhi ex-showroom prices for the XSR155 start at Rs 1,49,990 while those of FZ-RAVE begin at Rs 1,17,218 lakh.
