Honda unveils first electric CRF

Honda has revealed a new electric CRF in the form of a minibike, possibly hinting at more off-road electric products to come in the near future.

The Honda CRF-E2 is the equivalent of a 50cc dirt bike and it is a collaboration between Honda and American electric motorcycle builder, Greenger Powersports. Honda says the new model is the first electric model to carry the CRF name.

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Keen observers will note that this isn’t Honda’s first exploration of electric dirt bike technology. In 2019, the Japanese firm unveiled a CR-E concept that was based on the CRF250R motocrosser, however it is yet to surface as a production model.

Honda is ramping up its electrification strategy, with the company last year announcing its intentions for three new electric motorcycles by 2024. The company has also inked a deal with other manufacturers to develop swappable batteries, and it plans to go all-electric by 2040.

The Honda CRF-E2 is powered by a 48V BDLC motor and a lithium-ion battery, and is aimed at younger riders who are learning to ride. It has a max power figure of 2.5kW and a 25Nm of torque, and it also features two ride modes.

With a battery range of about 2 hours from a full charge, the bike will offer plenty of fun for riders in the suburbs and countryside alike. Charging times start at 4 hours from 0-100%, but a quick charge reduces that time to 2.5 hours.

Currently, the bike is exclusive to North America, with a recommended retail price of $2950USD. But, given the popularity of electric minibikes, it still possible the machine could make its way to Australia sometime in the future.