Milan: Royal Enfield has entered the electric bike market, unveiling its first electric models under a fresh brand called 'Flying Flea.' The two debut models, the classic-styled Flying Flea C6 and scrambler-styled Flying Flea S6, are anticipated to hit the market by 2026.
During the launch event, Eicher Motors Managing Director Siddhartha Lal emphasised the company's ambitious approach to electric vehicles, describing the initiative as more than a test but rather a "starting point of a family" that will continue to expand. He indicated that the company plans to develop a series of products under the new Flying Flea brand, committing to consistent innovation in the EV segment.
Siddhartha Lal revealed that Royal Enfield will source battery cells externally but intends to manufacture components like battery packs and motors in-house. CEO B Govindarajan added that Royal Enfield has invested heavily in research and development, assembling a team of over 200 engineers across India and the UK. Plans for an electric vehicle production facility in Chennai are also underway, underscoring the company’s commitment to the EV shift.
Royal Enfield Partners With Stark Future
In line with its EV ambitions, Royal Enfield has partnered with Stark Future, a Barcelona-based company known for its off-road electric motorcycles. According to B Govindarajan, every aspect of their electric bikes from motor and battery management systems to custom software and retail strategy has been crafted by Royal Enfield’s specialised technical teams.
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Royal Enfield, headquartered in Chennai, is a dominant player in the middleweight motorcycle market, with popular models like the Meteor 350, Interceptor 650, and Himalayan adventure bike. The company, which operates over 2,000 stores across India and nearly 850 outlets in more than 60 countries, reported strong growth in October, with a 31 percent year-on-year increase in global sales.
Royal Enfield initially showcased its electric vehicle concept at last year’s EICMA Motor Show, signalling its intent to expand its offerings and adapt to evolving consumer demands.