Pro Plus

How a chance meeting ten years ago shaped Royal Enfield’s electric destiny

A look back at Royal Enfield's historic journey into electric motorcycles, or how a chance encounter at EICMA culminated in the development of the company’s first electric bikes.

Ketan Thakkar By Ketan Thakkar calendar 05 Dec 2024 Views icon6419 Views Share - Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to LinkedIn Share to Whatsapp
 Mario Alvisi (Left) and Siddhartha Lal EICMA 2024

Mario Alvisi (Left) and Siddhartha Lal EICMA 2024

Ten years ago, at the EICMA Milan Motorcycle Show, Mario Alvisi presented the iconic Ducati Scrambler, an important day for the brand and his career. The bike received a mixed response but generated a lot of conversation and interest, as Ducati was trying something different from its core offering. At the end of the day, when the stands were closing, he noticed an Indian executive closely examining the bike. Alvisi approached him, introduced himself, and explained the bike's details.

The man replied, "I've been closely following you and this project. I work for Royal Enfield." Curious, Alvisi asked, "What ...

This is an Autocar Pro Plus article. Subscribe to continue reading.

STAY AHEAD OF THE CURVE WITH THE LATEST NEWS, ANALYSIS AND INSIGHTS INTO INDIA'S EXPANDING AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

SUBSCRIBE TO AUTOCAR PRO PLUS

1 YEAR SUBSCRIPTION

$39.00

  • Unlimited Access to Pro Plus articles
  • Features and Insights
  • Opinions and Analysis
  • Pro Plus Newsletter
  • Multi-Device Accessibility
RELATED ARTICLES
Pro Plus
FY26: When India’s EV Market Found Scale

auther Prerna Lidhoo calendar08 Apr 2026

India's electric vehicle market crossed 2.45 million units in FY26, with every major segment posting record sales and co...

Pro Plus
Carbon Dreams, Policy Gridlock: India’s Decarbonisation Push Faces Delays

auther Shahkar Abidi calendar06 Apr 2026

India’s automotive giants are ready to trade carbon, but the government hasn't found the 'on' switch.

Pro Plus
River Mobility: The Power of Doing Less

auther Prerna Lidhoo calendar31 Mar 2026

Bengaluru's River Mobility is building a durable EV business on the unfashionable virtues of restraint, focus and precis...