Royal Enfield Unveils The HIM-E: An Electric Twist On The Himalayan
The Indian manufacturer sets its sight on an electric future.

Along with the official launch of the next-gen 452cc Himalayan, Royal Enfield made headlines at EICMA with an unexpected unveiling ― an electric variant of their iconic adventurer. The HIM-E, as it has been dubbed, is the manufacturer’s first ever electric vehicle concept and a test bed of what they call “a new expression of sustainable exploration for the future.”


Royal Enfield has expressed their aspirations for an electric future before, but it is surprising that they managed to keep this electric Himalayan safe from leaks. Especially since the bike looks fairly far along into its development and has been undergoing testing in the same Himalayan mountains where the new fuel-powered model was put through its paces. In addition, the team has done extensive wind tunnel testing to improve streamlining and the rider experience.


According to Royal Enfield, the electric Himalayan test bed has been a project that is constantly evolving and uses rapid prototyping to explore what is possible today. The manufacturer has been very tight-lipped about the specs but shared that the bike uses an in-house designed battery box that serves as the main structural element and incorporates new materials like organic Flax Fiber for the composite bodywork. Bump absorption is delivered by top-spec Ohlins suspension while Nissin calipers stop the steed.


Speaking about the purpose behind this project, B Govindarajan, CEO of Royal Enfield said, “At Royal Enfield, our Electric Mobility team is powered by the objective of preserving the quintessential Royal Enfield DNA, and extending that into our creative ideas and designs for electric motorcycles as well. This motorcycle is only just a part of a much bigger sustainable ecosystem of exploration and adventure that we are working on in the Himalayas. From green charging pit-stops, to our responsible travel initiative, from creating self-sustaining communities to collaboration with UNESCO to preserve the intangible cultural heritage of the Himalayan region, there are a lot of initiatives we are passionately driving.”

The electric Himalayan is not just a show piece, it is a laboratory for Royal Enfield. It is a passion project to create a program that will constantly evolve and be a guiding light to a new touring experience. “The objective for the project was not to see how many batteries could be squeezed into a motorcycle,” says Royal Enfield, “instead it was to augment the experience of exploration by allowing the rider to listen to the soundtrack of the Himalayas: the voices in the villages, the sound of wind through the desert lands.”
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They need to do something about that ugly a$$ seat. Can’t they add a compartment where the fuel tank would normally be? Otherwise, good concept. Hopefully they can price them affordably. I might be giving them a second look.
You cry way too much. Here and advrider website.
Very cool! Looking forward to seeing how (or if) this progresses.
Hi I’m Rabiraj Naidu of B18 Toh Yi Drive #02-95 S590018 Singapore, what battery are they using is really what to know, also what’s the seat height. TQVM. +6591996624
Why on earth would you disclose that much personal information in a random news article comment?
“allowing the rider to listen to the soundtrack of the Himalayas: the voices in the villages, the sound of wind through the desert lands.”
Something the riders of loud farting Harleys will never understand.
It looks more serious/better than their other fare. Not holding my breath but an awesome visual.
Electric motors must be de-rated as altitude increases because of less available cooling air. I haven’t seen any moto journalists say anything about that in any EV tests.
Isn`t it pretty cold up in the Himalayas now? It was when I was there some years ago!