In a bold move to strengthen its presence in the electric mobility space, Yamaha Motor Company is preparing to launch its first globally-developed electric scooter, codenamed RY01, in collaboration with Bengaluru-based EV startup River. This marks a strategic departure from Yamaha’s earlier focus on low-speed urban EVs in Europe, pivoting instead toward a more performance-centric offering tailored to the Indian market.
Yamaha-River Partnership: A Strategic Shift
The RY01 will be Yamaha’s debut electric two-wheeler in India, and it is being co-developed with River, the company behind the Indie e-scooter. Unlike Yamaha’s previous approach of launching modest, utility-oriented EVs like the Neo’s in Europe, the RY01 reflects Yamaha’s sporty brand ethos—something Indian consumers are familiar with and expect from the brand.
While the upcoming Yamaha scooter will share its powertrain and battery management system (BMS) with the River Indie, it will feature a completely different design, more aligned with Yamaha’s global styling and performance identity. Production of the RY01 is slated to begin between July and September 2025, with a launch expected before the end of FY2025.
Built in India, Exported Globally
The RY01 will be manufactured at River’s facility in Bengaluru, which meets Yamaha’s global quality and production benchmarks. In addition to serving the Indian market, this scooter will also be exported to international markets. This underlines Yamaha’s confidence in the capabilities of its Indian partner and the broader relevance of this platform.
Yamaha retains ownership of the project, while River is handling all execution responsibilities—including engineering, R&D, battery and powertrain integration, and manufacturing. This approach mirrors Yamaha’s previous collaboration with Taiwan’s Gogoro, where Yamaha leaned on local innovation to deliver market-specific products.
A New Global EV Platform Also in the Works
While the RY01 is Yamaha’s immediate focus, the company is also simultaneously working on a completely new global EV platform, scheduled for launch around 2026-27. This platform will incorporate inputs from major markets, including India, and will likely spawn a new range of Yamaha electric two-wheelers tailored to evolving customer demands worldwide.
Indian EV Market: Heating Up
Yamaha’s aggressive entry comes at a time when India’s electric two-wheeler market is witnessing explosive growth. In FY2025, EV sales crossed the 1.15 million-unit mark for the first time, recording a YoY growth of 20–21%. EVs now make up over 6% of total two-wheeler sales in the country, driven by rising fuel prices, greater urban acceptance, and supportive government policies under schemes like PM e-Drive.
Market leaders include Ola Electric, TVS Motor (22%), Bajaj Auto (21%), Ather Energy (14%), and Hero MotoCorp’s Vida (7%). The segment is projected to touch 1.3 to 1.4 million units in FY2026.
Other Japanese automakers are also entering the fray. Honda recently launched the Activa e: and QC1, while Suzuki is preparing to introduce the e-Access—targeting the family-friendly, high-volume segment that includes the Ola S1, TVS iQube, and Bajaj Chetak. However, given their late entry, gaining significant market share will require more than just brand recognition.
River: A Strong Local Ally
River, which launched the Indie in 2023, has quickly built a reputation for reliability, performance, and distinctive design. Its Bengaluru plant not only aligns with Yamaha’s global production standards but is also playing a pivotal role in shortening development timelines.
Yamaha’s collaboration with River is rooted in more than just technical convenience—it follows a $40 million Series B investment Yamaha made in the startup in 2024. This financial commitment reflects a deeper strategic alliance aimed at fast-tracking EV development by leveraging River’s agility, local insights, and engineering capabilities.
Looking Ahead
With the RY01, Yamaha aims to reassert its identity in a market that values performance and excitement. The partnership with River could serve as a model for Yamaha’s future product strategies—not just in India, but across emerging markets globally.
As River gears up to expand its retail footprint in India and extend exports to 11 international markets, this alliance signals the beginning of a new chapter for Yamaha in the EV era.
Read More: