Electric motorcycles are like hipster coffee – full of promise, style and usually a bit too expensive. But the Wuyang-Honda E-Vo is an electric exception: wrapped in retro-futuristic café-racer styling and powered by modern battery technology, it remains trapped in the Chinese market for now. Perfect for trendy, cosmopolitan motorcycle enthusiasts who can, for now, satisfy their e-thirst with just a photo or a plane ticket in hand.
Wuyang-Honda E-Vo is presented on the market in two versions: the basic one with two batteries (4.1 kWh), which allows for approximately 120 kilometers of range and up to 110 km/h of top speed, and the upgraded one with three batteries (6.2 kWh), which provides up to 170 kilometers of range and a top speed of around 120 km/h. All this at a relatively affordable price, which is almost as surprising as the fact that Honda is finally making a truly attractive electric motorcycle – even if it is in the tight embrace of a Chinese factory.
Price and performance that pleases (if you are in China)
The basic model with two batteries is available on the Chinese market for around 29,999 yuan (just over 4,000 USD or around 3,700 EUR), while the top-of-the-line version will set you back 36,999 yuan (~5,200 USD or just over 4,700 EUR). Considering how much a regular electric scooter with similar specifications costs here, the price is almost as affordable as finding a free parking space in the center of Ljubljana right in front of your favorite bar.
Filling and technology: simpler than ordering a latte macchiato
Charging the E-Vo is quick and easy: via a domestic socket, the motorcycle can be charged in an hour and a half (two batteries) or in two and a half hours (three batteries), and at a public charging station it is even faster – in approximately 60 or 90 minutes. In short, in the time we usually spend deciding what kind of coffee to order. An additional plus is the built-in charger, which is compatible with both classic domestic sockets and public EV chargers.
Even more technology? The motorcycle is equipped with a 7-inch Wi Link TFT screen, which displays speed, navigation, battery status and tire pressure, and also allows connectivity with a DJI camera, including a front and (in the more advanced model) rear DVR camera. Add to that an electronic key, different driving modes (Eco, Normal, Sport) and that pleasant feeling when you drive past gas stations and a smile comes to your face. Who could resist that?
But where is the trick (besides distance)?
Of course, there are some minor concerns. Despite the “Honda” badge, the E-Vo is not a direct product of Honda’s global line, but the result of a collaboration with Chinese partner Wuyang. So, getting service and spare parts in Europe would probably cause more grey hairs than an espresso stain on a new white shirt. Furthermore, the engine’s power, which amounts to around 21 horsepower (15.8 kW peak power), is sufficient for fast urban driving, but on longer distances it might leave you craving an extra dose of caffeine.
Conclusion – just a cute utopia for now?
Wuyang-Honda E-Vo is perfect for the urban jungle – stylish, affordable and technologically advanced. But because Honda is apparently convinced that Europe is still satisfied with the classic petrol "café", this electric specialty remains exclusively on the Chinese market for now.
Well, maybe Honda will decide to bring the E-Vo to our country one day. Until then, dear fans of electric cars and café racers, all you have to do is plan an exotic vacation in Shanghai – and hope you don't get stopped at customs for carrying a suspiciously large piece of hand luggage.
