Honda to launch Electric Motorcycle in 2010

Honda Motor Co., the world’s biggest maker of motorcycles, plans to debut an battery powered electric motorbike in Japan next year.

The motorcycle will be powered by a lithium-ion battery, and Honda will target sales to corporate customers, Tatsuhiro Ohyama, head of Honda’s motorcycle operations, told reporters today at a test-drive event at the Motegi race track north of Tokyo.

The moped will be built as a zero CO2 emissions alternative to a petrol-powered 50cc moped, with a lightweight aluminium chassis.

Honda says that the prototype retains some of the storage space that makes traditional scooters popular with commuters, and sees the motorcycle being used by businesses as well as commuters. Buyers may include Japan Post and companies offering home delivery, such as pizza restaurants.