Honda unveils first made-in-Vietnam electric scooter

Honda has launched its first electric scooter produced in Vietnam, the ICON e:, after years of dominating the gasoline-powered motorbike segment.

The bike was introduced to the media on Thursday and will hit the market early next month, when its prices will be revealed.

Last year the Japanese giant had said the ICON e: would be sold for under VND30 million (US$1,170), not including the price of the battery pack.

With its main target customers being students, it has an LCD screen, a 26-liter trunk and a USB charger since.

Honda said the bike could travel 50 kilometers on a single charge. Its 1.3-kilogram battery is removable and can be charged separately within 7.5 hours.

Its maximum speed of 49 kilometers per hour means it can be ridden by people without a driving license.

Honda’s new offering is set to intensify competition in the electric two-wheeler market where VinFast, Yadea, Pega, Dat Bike, and Selex are offering a variety of products, mostly targeting young customers.

Honda first entered Vietnam in 1996, and its slow and steady development strategy means it now accounts for 70-80% of the motorbike market.