- Prototype looks close to production-ready
- Similar battery casing as the Flying Fleas
- Could be introduced at 2025 EICMA
Royal Enfield’s first electric adventure motorcycle appears to be accelerating toward a full reveal, with a new test unit of the electric Himalayan spotted in India. This near-production prototype shows major progress since the concept first broke cover at EICMA 2023, suggesting that a launch might not be far off.
The earliest HIM-E prototype, revealed last year in Milan, was a rough, mud-caked mule. While it offered a hint at Royal Enfield’s electrification ambitions, it was far from ready for showroom floors. In contrast, the latest version looks much closer to production, sporting refined bodywork and a more finished design overall. Only elements like the swingarm and a familiar swooping tank silhouette remain from the original test bike.
What’s particularly notable is the battery casing, which now appears to draw design inspiration from Royal Enfield’s Flying Flea FF series, revealed at EICMA 2024. The battery housing features flowing cooling fins, echoing the styling language of the FF-C6 and FF-S6 models. While this may be a nod to branding continuity, the rest of the electric Himalayan (HIM-E) remains visually distinct, built with a rugged ADV intent.
Off-road readiness is a clear focus. The HIM-E test bike features long-travel suspension, with visible adjusters on the front forks, and a rear shock unit that bears Öhlins branding. These high-spec components suggest Royal Enfield is aiming for serious trail capability, not just urban electric convenience.
Up front, the braking setup includes a Nissin caliper, likely paired with a 310mm disc, typical of performance-oriented dual-sport motorcycles. This would put braking performance on par with several mid-weight adventure machines. One of the biggest shifts from earlier test mules is in the frame architecture. The initial HIM-E used a visible trellis frame, but this latest version replaces that with a construction comprising CNC-machined and forged aluminum components. This marks a major structural shift, hinting at weight savings and increased rigidity.
Interestingly, the battery and motor appear to be load-bearing parts of the chassis, a common technique in electric motorcycle design to simplify structure and save mass. The swingarm is directly mounted to the motor housing, further emphasizing the integration of powertrain and frame.
With the test mule looking production ready, we can expect Royal Enfield to introduce the motorcycle by the end of the year, at the 2025 EICMA.
