American Honda announce new CRF-E2 electric dirtbike

A collaboration between Honda Powersports and Greenger Powersports has created the new CRF-E2 motorcycle, which will be the first electric bike to bear the famous “CRF” initials.

The bike will come with a standard charger, a swappable lithium-ion battery pack, and an electric motor with a maximum power output of 2.5kW. The quoted run time on Greenger Powersports’ website is “two hours in ideal conditions with full charge.”

Speaking of charge, to reach 100%, the battery will require four hours on a standard charge, or 2.5 hours on a fast charge; or to reach 80% on standard charge 3.2 hours will be required, or two hours on a fast charge.

Away from the electric motor, the bike will feature aluminium twin-spar chassis; conventional hydraulic telescopic forks; an adjustable DNM rear shock; and a scooter-style left-hand-operated rear brake. Seat height is said to be adjustable between 630mm and 650mm.

Greenger Powersports say, “CRF-E2 is the electric equivalent of 50cc, but without having to deal with the noise, emission, and heat from the gas engine.”

Honda Powersports US said in an Instagram post, “The CRF-E2 is designed for the next generation of powersports enthusiasts and is available exclusively through participating dealers in American Honda’s nationwide powersports network.”

The price of the CRF-E2 will be $2,950, plus a destination charge of $200, and a freight charge of $100. That’s no small fee, especially for a kids’ bike.

For those outside of the US, the price of the bike is not something to worry about yet because CRF-E2 is not yet available and, since it is developed by the US branch of Honda, it may never be. However, this does further signal Honda’s intent in the electric dirt bike market. 

From Honda’s perspective, it could also make sense to make a ‘first run’ at a somewhat mainstream (as in, it’s called a CRF) electric dirt bike in the US, since the American powersports industry saw something of a boom over recent years with the COVID-19 pandemic encouraging more people to find ways to be outside which don’t necessarily involve being in close proximity to people. 

What this will mean for Honda’s electric plans outside of, firstly, the US; secondly, small-capacity bikes; and thirdly, dirt bikes remains to be seen.

But, along with this news from Honda, Yamaha’s recent announcement of their new electric plans; KTM announcing their E-Duke and the Husqvarna E-Pilen; and Ducati becoming the supplier for MotoGP’s electric support class, MotoE, for the 2023 season, it is becoming ever more clear that the major manufacturers are moving in the electric direction.