EICMA: Royal Enfield Him-E electric prototype

Royal Enfield unveiled a glimpse into its future at the 2023 EICMA Motorcycle Expo, whipping the covers of an electric prototype which it is using to develop its future electric-powered platform rather than the electric version of a Himalayan adventure bike it so resembles.

Unveiled alongside the firm’s highly anticipated Himalayan 452, the event gave an insight into the directions the 122-year-old Indian giant will be taking as early as 2025. Dubbed the Him-E, Royal Enfield refers to the machine as a laboratory in which it will use to develop its electric powertrain and associated components, because if the machine can stand the rigours of being used in the harsh off-road environment of the Himalayan mountains, then the firm can be sure any future models will withstand whatever a daily commuter can throw at it.

“For us, this is our vision and a glimpse of what to expect from us in the future,” the firm’s Growth Officer Mario Alvisi said at the concept’s unveiling. “There is a much larger electric mobility blueprint that is being brought alive at Royal Enfield as we continue to work on multiple ‘electrifying’ expressions of pure motorcycling.”

While Alvisi said we can “expect a lot of new concepts in the next few months,” he did confirm the first production machine will be aimed at commuters and is currently slated to join the firm’s 2025 model line-up.

As you’d expect, details are scarce, though we do know Royal Enfield intends to develop its own batteries in-house, while both the motors and controllers will be outsourced. Royal Enfield parent Eicher recently purchased a stake in electric motocross brand Stark Future.

And it’s not only the emission-free power plant taking a sustainable focus within the walls of Royal Enfield HQ, either, with the Him-E also boasting bodywork made from natural fibres instead of plastic, in this case an organic flax fibre composite.