Honda’s first full-sized electric motorcycle brings car-compatible rapid charging to two wheels, allowing riders to recharge from 20% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes using CCS2 public charging stations.
One of the biggest concerns surrounding electric motorcycles has always been charging. While electric cars have benefited from an expanding network of public rapid chargers, many electric motorcycles have relied on slower charging systems, making longer journeys less convenient.
However, Honda is looking to change that with the new Honda WN7, its first full-sized electric motorcycle, which supports the same CCS2 rapid charging standard widely used by electric cars across the UK and Europe.
It’s an important development that could make electric motorcycle ownership considerably more practical, particularly for riders who want to travel beyond their daily commute.
CCS2 Rapid Charging: What’s the Big Deal?
The Honda WN7 features a CCS2 (Combined Charging System Type 2) charging connection, allowing it to use compatible DC rapid charging stations commonly found at motorway services, retail parks, supermarkets and dedicated EV charging hubs.
Unlike motorcycles that rely solely on slower AC charging, the WN7 can connect directly to compatible public DC rapid chargers, dramatically reducing the time spent waiting for its battery to recharge.
According to Honda, the WN7 can replenish its battery from 20% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes using CCS2 rapid charging.
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That’s a significant advantage for riders planning longer journeys. Instead of waiting several hours to recharge, a short stop for a coffee or lunch could provide enough additional energy to continue riding.
Crucially, riders don’t need to find a motorcycle-specific rapid charger. The WN7 can use compatible CCS2 charging infrastructure already serving electric cars.
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How Does CCS2 Charging Work on the Honda WN7?
CCS2 combines the familiar Type 2 AC charging connector with two additional DC power connections, allowing significantly faster charging when connected to a compatible rapid charging station.
The Honda WN7 supports two principal charging methods:
- Type 2 AC charging: Suitable for compatible home wallboxes and public AC charging stations, with a full charge taking approximately 2.4 hours using a suitable 6kVA charging supply.
- CCS2 DC rapid charging: Allows the battery to recharge from 20% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes at a compatible public rapid charger.
The WN7 uses a fixed 9.3kWh lithium-ion battery, rather than the removable battery arrangements found on some smaller electric motorcycles.
Honda has also developed the motorcycle’s electrical architecture to work with automotive charging standards, making compatibility with existing EV charging infrastructure an integral part of the design.
Importantly, connecting the motorcycle to a high-powered CCS2 charger doesn’t mean the bike will draw the charger’s full advertised output. The motorcycle’s battery management system controls the charging process and the amount of power accepted.
What Does This Mean for Riding Range?
Honda quotes a range of approximately 140km (87 miles) for the standard WN7 under WMTC testing conditions.
Using CCS2 rapid charging, Honda states that a 20% to 80% recharge can provide approximately 89km (55 miles) of additional riding range.
For riders, that opens up more possibilities for using the WN7 beyond short urban journeys.
A weekend ride could include a planned charging stop at a motorway service area or public charging hub, allowing the rider to recharge while taking a break.
Of course, actual range will depend on several factors, including riding speed, weather conditions, terrain, rider weight and the use of accessories.
Charging times can also vary depending on battery temperature, the battery’s existing state of charge and the performance of the charging station.
Using Public CCS2 Chargers in the UK
One of the WN7’s strongest selling points is its ability to use the UK’s existing network of compatible CCS2 public rapid chargers.
For riders unfamiliar with electric vehicle charging, the process is relatively straightforward:
- Locate a public charging station offering CCS2 DC charging.
- Park the motorcycle safely within reach of the charging cable.
- Follow the charging station’s instructions to connect the CCS2 plug to the motorcycle.
- Start the charging session using the operator’s app, contactless payment system or other supported method.
- Monitor charging progress and end the session according to the charger’s instructions.
Although CCS2 is a widely adopted standard, riders should check charging station compatibility, availability and access before travelling. Some charging locations may have parking restrictions or layouts that make them less convenient for motorcycles.
It’s also worth remembering that public rapid charging prices vary between networks and can be considerably higher than charging at home.
Why This Matters for Electric Motorcycling
The availability of rapid charging could prove to be one of the most important features of the Honda WN7.
Electric motorcycles offer several advantages, including instant torque, quiet operation, smooth acceleration and reduced routine powertrain maintenance.
However, charging convenience and riding range remain important considerations for many potential buyers.
By adopting CCS2, Honda has addressed one of those concerns directly.
Rather than relying on a dedicated motorcycle charging network, the WN7 can take advantage of infrastructure that already exists for electric cars.
For riders who regularly travel through towns and cities, or who have access to public charging hubs along their routes, this could make the transition to electric motorcycling much easier.
Honda WN7: Key Specifications
| Specification | Honda WN7 |
|---|---|
| Battery | 9.3kWh lithium-ion |
| Standard model motor output | 18kW rated |
| Maximum power | 50kW |
| Maximum torque | 100Nm |
| Claimed range | 140km / 87 miles |
| DC rapid charging | CCS2 |
| Rapid charging time | Approx. 30 minutes (20–80%) |
| AC charging | Type 2 |
| AC charging time | Approx. 2.4 hours (0–100%) |
| UK price | £12,999 |
The Verdict: A Welcome Step Forward
The Honda WN7 represents an important step in the development of electric motorcycles, not simply because of its performance or design, but because of its approach to charging.
By adopting the same CCS2 rapid charging standard used by many electric cars, Honda has made the WN7 more practical for riders who want the flexibility to recharge away from home.
A 30-minute charging stop isn’t quite the same as filling a petrol tank, and the WN7’s relatively modest range means longer journeys will still require planning.
Nevertheless, the ability to use established public rapid charging infrastructure is a meaningful improvement.
For electric motorcycling to become genuinely mainstream, convenient charging will be just as important as performance, range and affordability.
With the WN7, Honda has taken an encouraging step in that direction.
For more information, visit the official Honda WN7 UK website.
Source: Honda Motor Europe and Honda WN7 technical specifications. Charging times and range figures are manufacturer claims and may vary in real-world conditions.
Originally posted on our dedicated sister site eMotorcycle News website: https://emotorcyclist.co.uk/
