Yamaha has officially launched its first EV in India, the EC-06. If the scooter looks familiar, it is because it is based on the River Indie, developed by Indian EV startup River. Yamaha has invested in the electric two-wheeler company, and while the focus of the Indie is utility, the EC-06 prioritises styling and premium features aimed at urban commuters.
Initially, the EC-06 will be on sale only in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu through official Yamaha dealerships, priced at ₹1.67–1.68 lakh (ex-showroom). At present, the Japanese automaker appears to be testing demand for the EV, and the only colour option available is Bluish White.
Performance and Range
Powering the EC-06’s electric motor is a 4kWh fixed battery pack that delivers a peak power output of 6.7kW and 26Nm of torque. According to the Indian Driving Cycle (IDC), Yamaha claims the scooter has a range of 169km, with a top speed of 79kmph. Riders can choose between three riding modes — Eco, Standard and Power. There is also a reverse assist function to help manoeuvre the scooter, especially on inclines.
When plugged into a standard home socket, Yamaha claims charging from 0–80 per cent takes around 8 hours.
Design and Practicality
Differentiating the EC-06 from the River Indie is its sportier exterior, featuring a single headlamp and tail-lamp setup. These styling changes have also resulted in an approximate 10kg reduction in kerb weight, with the EC-06 tipping the scales at 132kg. However, the revised design has reduced under-seat storage to 24.5 litres, compared to the Indie’s 43 litres. This indicates Yamaha has prioritised styling and compactness over maximum cargo capacity.
The scooter comes equipped with disc brakes at both the front and rear, along with Yamaha’s Combi Brake System, which distributes braking force across both wheels for quicker and safer stops. The overall suspension is tuned for a refined ride.
EV Rivals
The Yamaha EC-06 will be competing with established brands such as Ather, Bajaj Chetak and TVS iQube. Yamaha also plans to launch an electric version of the Aerox, called Aerox E by mid 2026.