Royal Enfield says its first electric motorcycle will be cost-friendly
What's the story
Royal Enfield, the iconic motorcycle brand with a legacy of 125 years, is gearing up to launch its first-ever electric bike. The new model, named Flying Flea, will be launched in India in the spring of 2026. After its domestic debut, the company plans to introduce it in Europe four-five months later. Royal Enfield CEO B Govindrajan said, "Flying Flea will be a disruptor and a value-for-money product for the customer."
Launch details
Flying Flea: A 2-pronged launch strategy
The Flying Flea will be launched in two variants: the city bike C6 and the scrambler S6. The company first unveiled the Flying Flea city bike at EICMA Motor Show in Milan in 2024. This year, it showcased the Flying Flea Scrambler at Milan and later at Motoverse festival in Goa. Govindrajan said a dedicated team of 400 professionals has been working on Royal Enfield's electric Flying Flea brand.
Financial commitment
Royal Enfield's investment in electric bike development
Royal Enfield has invested ₹400 crore in developing its two electric motorcycles, including ₹120 crore on a dedicated R&D lab. The company has also set up an electric vehicle manufacturing line at its Vallam plant with a capacity to produce up to 1.5 lakh electric motorcycles annually. "We will begin slowly and gradually ramp up manufacturing," Govindrajan said, adding that they see this as a long-term project rather than something that needs to be done quickly.
Expansion strategy
Royal Enfield's future plans and government incentives
Royal Enfield has applied for the PLI Scheme to avail of government incentives on electric vehicles. The company is also working on several other prototypes of electric motorcycles for the future and has filed at least 40 patents. Govindrajan said that currently, Royal Enfield's spending on electric vehicles is only 10-12% of total capital expenditure, but this figure will gradually increase over time.
Market outlook
Royal Enfield's stance on electric vehicles and future investments
Despite the focus on electric bikes, Govindrajan said Royal Enfield will continue to invest in ICE vehicles as demand is still growing. He added that it's too early to predict a tipping point for electric motorcycles as it will depend on the total cost of ownership. The CEO also ruled out any possibility of external fund infusion or listing of the Flying Flea brand in the near future.