The evening air in Goa hangs thick with anticipation as I join a crowd of motorcycle enthusiasts, industry insiders, and journalists gathered at what was once a Portuguese colonial mansion. The heritage building’s stone walls are now bathed in a mesmerizing interplay of lights and shadows, with Royal Enfield’s iconic logo projected prominently on the central façade. We’re all here to witness what many thought impossible just five years ago: the unveiling of Royal Enfield’s first-ever electric motorcycle range.
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As one of the world’s oldest continuously produced motorcycle brands—founded in 1901 and famed for its steadfast commitment to traditional motorcycling values—Royal Enfield’s entry into the electric vehicle space represents more than just another product launch. It signifies a pivotal moment where heritage and future collide, where thump meets whirr, where the soul of motorcycling confronts the realities of a rapidly electrifying automotive landscape.
“We’ve been asked about electric motorcycles at every investor call, every press conference, and every product launch for the past six years,” admits Siddhartha Lal, Managing Director of Eicher Motors (Royal Enfield’s parent company), as we chat before the official event. “But we weren’t interested in simply jumping on a bandwagon. If Royal Enfield was going to do electric, it had to be authentically Royal Enfield—not just another generic electric two-wheeler with our badge slapped on it.”
That philosophy of patient, purposeful development has defined the company’s approach to what might be its most significant product launch since the introduction of the 650 Twin platform in 2018. Tonight, after years of development, speculation, and secretive test rides, the world will finally see how this 123-year-old motorcycle manufacturer interprets electric mobility.
The Electric Evolution: Royal Enfield’s Development Journey
Royal Enfield’s path to electrification hasn’t followed the frantic pace set by many competitors. While numerous startups and established manufacturers rushed to market with electric two-wheelers, Royal Enfield maintained an almost stubborn silence about its electric plans, punctuated by occasional cryptic statements about “exploring future mobility solutions.”
Behind that public silence, however, lay a comprehensive development program that began in earnest nearly five years ago. In 2019, the company established a dedicated EV development center in the UK, adjacent to its existing technical center in Bruntingthorpe. This facility, staffed by a mix of traditional motorcycle engineers and EV specialists recruited from both the motorcycle and automotive industries, became the incubator for Royal Enfield’s electric vision.
“The challenge wasn’t simply technical—it was philosophical,” explains Maria Rodriguez, one of the lead engineers on the electric motorcycle project, whom I meet during a technical briefing ahead of the launch. “We spent the first year asking fundamental questions: What makes a Royal Enfield a Royal Enfield when you remove the engine? How do we translate the brand’s values into a completely different propulsion technology? What elements are non-negotiable?”
These existential questions led to a development approach that differed significantly from many electric motorcycle projects. Rather than starting with an electric powertrain and building a motorcycle around it, the team began by defining the riding experience, character, and emotional connection they wanted to create, then developed the technology to deliver it.
From Concept to Reality: The Prototype Phase
The first tangible evidence of Royal Enfield’s electric ambitions emerged in 2021 when the company quietly acquired UK-based electric motorcycle startup Axial Flux. This acquisition brought in specialized expertise in compact, power-dense electric motors and integrated powertrain systems—technologies that would prove crucial to Royal Enfield’s desire to create electric motorcycles that maintained conventional proportions and weight distribution.
“The Axial Flux team’s approach aligned perfectly with our vision,” notes Rodriguez. “Their motors offered exceptional torque density in a compact package, allowing us to position weight in ways that preserved traditional motorcycle handling characteristics rather than ending up with something that felt fundamentally different.”
Prototyping began in late 2021, with test mules initially built on modified frames from existing Royal Enfield models. These early prototypes were used primarily for powertrain development and basic packaging studies, evolving through multiple iterations before the team committed to purpose-designed frames and chassis components.
By mid-2022, more refined prototypes began testing on public roads in the UK, disguised with false bodywork to conceal their electric nature. These tests eventually expanded to include India’s varied road conditions and climate challenges, with select prototypes accumulating over 100,000 kilometers of real-world testing before final production specifications were locked in.
“The testing program was probably more extensive than necessary from a purely technical standpoint,” admits Rodriguez. “But for a brand like Royal Enfield, entering the electric space wasn’t just about ensuring technical competence—it was about ensuring that these motorcycles would deliver an experience worthy of the brand’s heritage and loyal customer base.”
The Reveal: Three Distinct Electric Approaches
As the lights dim in the event space, a palpable buzz ripples through the assembled crowd. The soundtrack shifts from ambient background music to a composition that cleverly interweaves Royal Enfield’s signature exhaust note with electronic elements—a musical representation of the brand’s evolution that doesn’t go unnoticed by the attendees around me.
B. Govindarajan, Royal Enfield’s CEO, takes the stage to contextualize the momentous occasion. “Throughout our 123-year history, Royal Enfield has remained relevant by evolving with purpose while staying true to our core values,” he begins. “Today, we don’t simply unveil electric motorcycles—we present Royal Enfield’s interpretation of what electric motorcycling should be.”
What follows is not the revelation of a single model, but rather a three-pronged approach to electrification that demonstrates the company’s nuanced understanding of different rider needs and use cases. The three platforms—which the company calls “Stride,” “Glide,” and “Heritage Electric”—represent distinct visions of electric mobility, each targeting different segments of the motorcycling community.
The Urban Commuter: Stride Platform
The first motorcycle revealed is based on what Royal Enfield calls the “Stride” platform—a city-focused commuter that represents the brand’s answer to urban mobility challenges. Visually, it’s the most departure from traditional Royal Enfield design language, embracing a more contemporary aesthetic while maintaining subtle nods to the brand’s heritage.
With a compact 8 kWh battery, hub-mounted motor producing 11 kW (approximately 15 horsepower) and 100 Nm of torque, and a city range of 120 kilometers, the Stride positions itself as a practical daily commuter rather than a performance machine. Its relatively lightweight construction—188 kg fully fueled—makes it manageable in urban environments, while the low seat height of 790 mm should make it accessible to riders of various statures.
“The Stride is designed for riders who might not have considered a Royal Enfield before,” explains Arun Gopal, Royal Enfield’s Head of Product Strategy. “It’s our entry point into electric mobility, offering the quality and character associated with our brand in a package optimized for daily urban use.”
Pricing for the Stride will start at Rs. 2.25 lakh (ex-showroom), positioning it competitively against both premium conventional commuters and existing electric options from startups and established manufacturers.
The Versatile All-Rounder: Glide Platform
The second revelation generates significantly more excitement among the attendees—a larger, more capable motorcycle based on the “Glide” platform. With styling reminiscent of Royal Enfield’s popular Interceptor 650, but with distinctive electric-specific elements, the Glide strikes a more balanced compromise between traditional motorcycle aesthetics and contemporary electric design.
Technically, it’s a substantial step up from the Stride. A frame-mounted 12 kWh battery powers a mid-mounted motor developing 22 kW (approximately 30 horsepower) and 80 Nm of torque. Royal Enfield claims a highway range of 150 kilometers at sustained speeds of 70 km/h, with city range extending to over 200 kilometers—figures that position it as a genuinely versatile machine capable of both daily commuting and weekend leisure rides.
“The Glide represents the sweet spot in our electric range,” Gopal continues. “It delivers the performance, range, and character that most motorcycle enthusiasts expect from a Royal Enfield, just with a different power source. We believe this will be the volume driver of our electric lineup.”
With a starting price of Rs. 3.10 lakh (ex-showroom), the Glide positions itself as a premium offering in the Indian electric two-wheeler market, though still notably more affordable than imported alternatives offering similar specifications.
The Flagship Experience: Heritage Electric
The final reveal generates the most enthusiastic response from the gathered audience—a motorcycle that manages to look unmistakably like a traditional Royal Enfield while housing a thoroughly modern electric powertrain. Dubbed simply “Heritage Electric” for now (with a model-specific name to be announced closer to production), this flagship offering makes the boldest statement about Royal Enfield’s electric future.
Visually reminiscent of the Classic 350—Royal Enfield’s best-selling model globally—the Heritage Electric incorporates numerous traditional design elements, including a teardrop tank (which actually houses electronics and the control unit), sprung saddle, and extensive use of chrome accents. Unlike many electric motorcycles that emphasize their technological nature, the Heritage Electric almost conceals it, with the battery pack styled to resemble an engine and the motor positioned to maintain traditional motorcycle proportions.
Technically, it’s the most ambitious of the three platforms. A 16 kWh battery powers a motor developing 35 kW (approximately 47 horsepower) and 120 Nm of torque. These figures, combined with the motorcycle’s substantial 230 kg weight, position it as a cruiser-oriented experience rather than a performance machine. Royal Enfield claims a range of 220 kilometers at highway speeds, with city range extending beyond 250 kilometers.
“The Heritage Electric represents our belief that electrification doesn’t have to mean abandoning everything that makes motorcycling special,” explains Gopal. “It’s designed for riders who value the Royal Enfield experience and are open to embracing electric power without sacrificing the soul and character that drew them to motorcycling in the first place.”
With pricing announced at Rs. 3.75 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base variant, the Heritage Electric positions itself as a premium offering, though still considerably more accessible than imported alternatives with similar specifications.
Beyond the Hardware: The Ownership Experience
Following the dramatic reveal of the three motorcycles, Royal Enfield executives outline the comprehensive ecosystem being developed to support the company’s electric ambitions. This approach acknowledges that successful electrification involves more than just the vehicles themselves—it requires addressing the entire ownership experience.
“We recognize that adopting electric mobility represents a significant shift for many riders,” notes Mohit Dhar Jayal, Royal Enfield’s Chief Brand Officer. “Our goal is to make that transition as seamless and rewarding as possible through a holistic approach to the ownership experience.”
Charging Infrastructure and Battery Solutions
Central to this ecosystem is Royal Enfield’s approach to charging infrastructure. Rather than attempting to build a proprietary charging network—a capital-intensive undertaking with limited benefits—the company has partnered with existing charging providers to offer Royal Enfield owners preferential rates and simplified access through an integrated payment system.
Additionally, all three motorcycles support multiple charging options: standard household outlets (though with lengthy charging times of 8-12 hours for a full charge), 3.3 kW home wallboxes that can replenish batteries overnight, and DC fast charging that can deliver an 80% charge in under 40 minutes for the two larger models.
More innovative is Royal Enfield’s battery warranty and upgrade program. Acknowledging that battery technology continues to evolve rapidly, the company offers a unique “Battery Evolve” program that allows owners to upgrade to improved battery technology after four years at a substantial discount from the standalone battery cost.
“Battery technology is the most rapidly evolving component of electric vehicles,” explains Rodriguez. “We didn’t want our customers to feel trapped with outdated battery technology as the industry advances. The Battery Evolve program ensures that early adopters will benefit from future improvements in energy density and charging capabilities.”
Service Network and Training
Royal Enfield’s extensive service network—one of its key competitive advantages in the Indian market and beyond—is being systematically prepared for the electric transition. The company has developed a specialized training program for service technicians, with the goal of having at least two EV-certified technicians at each of its 2,100+ service centers across India by the time deliveries begin.
“Working on electric motorcycles requires different skills and safety protocols compared to conventional engines,” notes Sharma, Royal Enfield’s Head of Service Operations. “We’re investing significantly in both training and specialized equipment to ensure our service network is fully prepared for this new chapter.”
Market Strategy and Rollout Plans
As the formal presentation concludes and attendees are invited to examine the motorcycles up close, I manage to speak with Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Royal Enfield’s Chief Commercial Officer, about the company’s rollout strategy for its electric range.
“We’re taking a phased approach to our electric introduction,” Guleria explains. “Initial availability will focus on eight major Indian cities beginning in October 2024, with expansion to additional markets by January 2025. International markets, starting with Europe and the UK, will follow in mid-2025.”
This measured rollout reflects both production ramp-up considerations and the company’s desire to ensure the service infrastructure is fully prepared before widespread availability. Initial production capacity is set at 8,000 units monthly across all three platforms, with the ability to scale based on demand.
Target Audience: Converting the Faithful and Attracting the New
An interesting aspect of Royal Enfield’s market strategy is its dual focus: converting existing Royal Enfield owners to electric while simultaneously attracting new customers who might not have previously considered the brand.
“Our research indicates two distinct opportunity segments,” notes Guleria. “Approximately 30% of our existing owners express interest in electric as their next motorcycle, particularly those who use their Royal Enfields primarily for daily commuting and weekend leisure rather than long-distance touring. Simultaneously, we see significant interest from urban professionals who appreciate our brand heritage but have hesitated to purchase conventional motorcycles due to either practical concerns or environmental considerations.”
This dual-target strategy explains the three-platform approach, with the Heritage Electric primarily targeting existing Royal Enfield enthusiasts while the Stride aims to attract new customers to the brand.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
As the evening progresses and I have the opportunity to speak with various Royal Enfield executives and engineers in more relaxed settings, a clearer picture emerges of both the challenges and opportunities the company perceives in its electric journey.
“We harbor no illusions about the complexity of this transition,” acknowledges Lal candidly over a coffee as the formal event winds down. “For a brand with our particular heritage and customer base, electrification presents unique challenges. Many of our customers are deeply attached to the sensory experience of our conventional motorcycles—the sound, the vibration, the mechanical interaction. Replacing that with an electric experience that still feels authentically Royal Enfield requires threading a very fine needle.”
This challenge is particularly acute for the Heritage Electric platform, which targets traditional Royal Enfield enthusiasts. The company has gone to extraordinary lengths to ensure this model delivers a distinctive sensory experience, from carefully tuned sound design that emanates from the motorcycle at lower speeds (for both rider feedback and pedestrian awareness) to subtle vibration patterns that provide tactile feedback without the harshness sometimes associated with conventional engines.
“We’re not trying to mimic an internal combustion engine—that would be disingenuous,” explains Rodriguez when I ask about these features. “Instead, we’re creating a new language of feedback and interaction that respects our heritage while embracing the unique characteristics of electric propulsion.”
A Historic Pivot for an Historic Brand
As I prepare to leave the event, taking one final look at the three motorcycles illuminated against the historic Portuguese architecture, the significance of this moment in Royal Enfield’s long history is palpable. For a brand that has built its identity around traditional motorcycling values, the leap into electric mobility represents both tremendous risk and tremendous opportunity.
The approaches revealed tonight suggest a carefully considered strategy that neither abandons the brand’s heritage nor ignores the realities of a changing industry. By offering three distinct interpretations of electric mobility—from the pragmatic urban Stride to the heritage-focused flagship—Royal Enfield has created multiple pathways for both existing customers and new enthusiasts to engage with the brand in the electric era.
Whether this electric gambit succeeds will depend on numerous factors beyond the motorcycles themselves: charging infrastructure development, government policies, competitive movements, and perhaps most importantly, the willingness of motorcyclists to embrace electric propulsion without losing the emotional connection that draws many to two wheels in the first place.
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What seems clear, however, is that Royal Enfield has approached electrification not as a reluctant concession to regulatory pressure, but as an opportunity to reinterpret its brand values for a new era. In doing so, they may have created something more valuable than just new products—they may have created a bridge between motorcycling’s heritage and its future.