Powersports Business July 2024 | Page 24

24 • July 2024 • Powersports Business

ELECTRIC www . PowersportsBusiness . com

Honda opens new R & D facility in India to accelerate powersports electrification

100 % utilization of carbon-free energy
Clean Energy
Carbon Neutrality
Triple Action to ZERO
Honda R & D Private Limited ( HRID ), a subsidiary of Honda Motor Co ., Ltd ., functions as Honda ’ s research and development arm for motorcycles and power products in India . It recently announced the opening of a new Solution R & D Center in Bengaluru , Karnataka .
Honda has set a global target of achieving carbon neutrality in all of its products and corporate activities by 2050 and is working to make a wide range of its products carbonneutral in terms of their power sources . In the motorcycle business , Honda aims to achieve carbon neutrality for all its motorcycle products in the 2040s .
Shifting to India , where economic development continues , in 2021 , the Indian government announced at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change ( also known as 26th Conference of the Parties , COP26 ) that the country will work toward achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2070 .
Under such environmental change , Honda believes that to meet evolving customer demands , the company must respond to electrification trends , create new value outside the established framework , and provide more attractive products and services .
The Solution R & D Center will incorporate advanced mobility technologies into electrified vehicle development more quickly and work on software and connected services through “ co-creating ” open innovation by adopting technologies and ideas of research and development companies . By taking advantage of “ ecosystem ” ( a common profit environment for products and services established by multiple companies ) from its geographical location , the Solution R & D Center will partner with companies to develop new services and businesses that go beyond the scope of existing businesses and products from a longterm perspective .
Honda says it will actively work to solve social issues , such as the effective use of energy through Honda ’ s Triple Action to ZERO initiative ( carbon neutrality , clean energy , and resource circulation ), and the prevention of traffic accidents . It will continue to provide products with new value
CO2 emissions , net zero
Resource Circulation
100 % use of sustainable materials
Honda ’ s Triple Action to ZERO2 initiative ( carbon neutrality , clean energy , and resource circulation ) and the prevention of traffic accidents are the company ’ s primary aims for the future of powersports . Photo courtesy of Honda Motor Co .
through various technological advancements and innovations , bringing “ the joy of freedom of mobility ” to customers .
( The three pillars of Honda ’ s Triple Action to ZERO initiative include achieving zero environmental impact throughout the life cycle of products and corporate activities by 2050 . Honda aims to achieve zero fatalities in traffic accidents involving Honda motorcycles and automobiles globally by 2050 ).

Verge to open two retail stores in California

Verge Motorcycles opened its first U . S . stores in Los Angeles and San Jose , California , in June . The company believes California is using the launch to roll out its new direct-to-consumer retail format . George Blankenship , who contributed to the success of Apple and Tesla retail stores , developed Verge ’ s store strategy .
Blankenship ’ s retail networks and industry experience will play an important role as the electric motorcycle company opens its first U . S . stores .
“ I see the same potential in Verge as I did at Apple two decades ago and Tesla one decade ago when those companies set out to completely redefine their industries ,” says Blankenship , Verge ’ s chief revenue officer . “ I want Verge to be positioned wherever lots of people spend time on a regular basis finding
new things they might be surprised to see . Westfield Century City is one of the best shopping centers in the world , making it a perfect place for us to start our store operations in the United States .”
Verge Motorcycles believes the West Coast has the right conditions to successfully launch its U . S . business . Motorcycling is popular in the region , and residents there have always been early adopters of innovative technologies . California also has the most extensive electric vehicle charging network in the country . In June of last year , Verge confirmed its plan to utilize Tesla ’ s NACS charging connector which means all bikes from day-one will be able to utilize the expansive Tesla Supercharger network .
“ The United States is already seen as one of our most important markets ,” says Pekka
Parnanen , chief operating officer of Verge USA . “ Many of the pre-orders for our bikes have come from the western region of the U . S . and California consumers in particular are widely known for appreciating and adopting new innovations . Our new stores in Los Angeles and San Jose will begin the rollout of our Verge experience to as many American motorcycle enthusiasts as possible .”
In November , at the LA Auto Show , Verge launched its ’ new Starmatter platform , which brings software updates , sensor technology ,
Verge Motorcycles opened its first retail location at Westfield Century City Shopping Center in Los Angeles on June 1 , and its second store opened at Westfield Valley Fair Mall in San Jose on June 6 . Photo courtesy of Verge Motorcycles
artificial intelligence , and an advanced user interface to motorcycling for the first time . At CES in Las
Vegas , Verge announced an update to its flagship model with
Starmatter Vision features , including multiple cameras and high-resolution radar , making Verge TS Ultra the first motorcycle equipped with the sense of sight .

QuietKat unveils Apex HD and XD

QuietKat Electric Bikes has launched the Apex HD and XD series . “ Over the past decade , a majority of issues with all off-road e-bikes
The Apex models feature a battery that offers up to 90 miles of range on a single charge and are equipped with cellular and GPS capabilities .
Photo courtesy of QuietKat
have centered around two factors : Number one , broken or bent derailleurs and number two , snapped chains ,” says Logan Holtz , director
of community at QuietKat . “ Until recently , this fragile system was considered necessary for utilizing multiple gears . Our new automatic transmission removes both of those failure points . By shifting internally , we no longer need a derailleur . This also allowed us to utilize a moto-style chain , which is virtually impossible to break .”
Utilizing a motorcycle chain ensures no broken chains , with reinforced strength that channels more power directly to the rear wheel . The Apex model batteries offer up to 90 miles of range and the series features Kick Through and Step Over options , integrating QuietKat ’ s patented modular rear rack with its high load capacity , a new front rack option , and 118 additional mounting points .
The inclusion of an IOT module facilitates remote tracking , locking , and alarm settings . The Apex series introduces a modular frame design , completely overhauled for enhanced
accessibility and adaptability . The models have cellular and GPS capabilities , offering realtime battery statistics , ride tracking , remote locking , anti-theft alarms , and scheduled maintenance reminders accessible on a LED display . The new firmware offers Stealth and Climb alongside existing Eco , Trail , and Boost modes , enhancing versatility for silent stalking , heavy towing , or steep ascents while still allowing riders to switch between Class 1 , 2 , 3 , and unlimited modes . Powered by a 1000w VPO 2.0 Automatic Shifting hub-drive and mid-drive motor options , these bikes deliver up to 200nm of torque .
Apex HD : Hub Drive MSRP $ 3,299 2 internal gears on an automatic transmission Colors : Veil Relic Camo , Moss , Gull Grey
Apex XD : Mid Drive MSRP $ 4,999 5 internal gears on an automatic transmission