Yamaha is finally jumping into the electric game in India. The Japanese brand, known for its stylish and powerful petrol scooters, has confirmed it’s working on an electric two-wheeler tailored for the Indian market.
The move comes at a time when India’s EV space is heating up with local and international players pushing for cleaner mobility.
The EV is expected to be sleek, tech-packed, and tuned for city rides. With rising fuel prices and pollution woes, Yamaha’s timing could work in its favor.
Yamaha’s Electric Ambition in India
Yamaha isn’t just dipping its toes in the EV pool; it’s going full throttle. The company recently announced a strategic partnership with Bengaluru-based startup River Mobility, the maker of the Indie electric scooter.
Yamaha has also acquired a stake in River, giving it both the tech and the platform to fast-track its electric entry. The goal? Deliver a reliable, feature-packed scooter that fits the Indian commute perfectly.
This marks Yamaha’s first serious EV move in India after years of R&D and market observation. The brand wants to blend Japanese precision with Indian practicality to stand out in a crowded market.
Launch Timeline and Availability
Yamaha has set sights on a Q3 2025 launch window for its electric debut. If everything falls into place, you might witness the e-scooter hitting the roads by August or September of next year.
Initially, it will be rolled out in metro cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai. It will then spread to Tier 2 cities based on demand and the expansion of charging infrastructure.
Test units might be showcased at key auto expos or Yamaha showrooms ahead of launch. The brand also plans a strong digital campaign to build buzz before deliveries begin.
Key Features and Specifications
While Yamaha hasn’t revealed the official specs yet, it’s expected the new e-scooter, codenamed RY01, will be based on River Indie’s architecture. That means we’re looking at a 6.7 kW motor, around 120–160 km range, and fast charging capability.
The scooter will likely offer swanky tech like LED lighting, a large touchscreen dash, and connected features for tracking battery and ride stats. In short, it’ll be more than just a quiet ride.
Pricing Strategy and Market Positioning
Don’t expect Yamaha to go after the budget crowd. The brand is aiming for the premium commuter space, where performance and style matter just as much as price.
Industry insiders suggest the scooter will fall in the ₹1.40–₹1.80 lakh range (ex-showroom).
That puts it in the ring with players like Ather 450X, Bajaj Chetak, and TVS iQube ST. Yamaha wants this ride to feel like an upgrade, not a compromise.
Yamaha’s Dealer Network and After-Sales Support
Unlike new startups, Yamaha has a massive dealership footprint across India. The company plans to upgrade select dealers into “EV-ready” hubs with charging points and service tools.
That means buyers won’t have to worry about support or parts, something that’s still a major concern in the EV space. Yamaha’s aim is simple: make electric adoption as smooth as riding one.
