The much-anticipated Honda Activa e: electric scooter has officially been launched in India at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. This marks Honda’s entry into the rapidly expanding Indian electric two-wheeler market. The Activa e: combines the familiar design of the iconic Activa with modern electric technology, offering a blend of reliability and eco-friendliness. Alongside the Activa e:, Honda also launched the QC1 electric scooter, further demonstrating their commitment to electric mobility in India.
Price and Variants
The Honda Activa e: is available in two variants:
- Standard: Priced at ₹1,17,000 (ex-showroom, Bengaluru).
- RoadSync Duo: Priced at ₹1,51,600 (ex-showroom, Bengaluru). This higher-end variant includes additional features such as the Honda RoadSync Duo smartphone app integration and other smart functionalities.
Bookings for both the Activa e: and QC1 have commenced for a nominal fee of ₹1,000, with deliveries expected to begin in February 2025.
Design and Features
The Activa e: retains the classic, minimalistic design of its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterpart, the Honda Activa. It avoids sharp cuts and creases, opting for a smooth and appealing aesthetic. The scooter is available in five attractive colors: Pearl Serenity Blue, Matte Foggy Silver Metallic, Pearl Misty White, Pearl Shallow Blue, and Pearl Igneous Black.
Key Features:
- Swappable Batteries: The Activa e: features dual 1.5 kWh swappable batteries, offering a total capacity of 3 kWh. This innovative system allows for easy battery replacement, reducing charging time and range anxiety. Honda is also in the process of setting up battery-swapping stations to support this feature.
- Digital Display: The scooter comes equipped with a 7-inch TFT display that integrates with the Honda RoadSync Duo smartphone app, offering turn-by-turn navigation, call alerts, and other smart functionalities.
- Riding Modes: The Activa e: offers three riding modes—Econ, Standard, and Sport—allowing riders to optimize performance based on their needs and preferences.
- H-Smart Key System: The Activa e: includes the H-Smart key system for added security and convenience.
- Braking System: The scooter features a 160mm front disc brake and a 130mm rear drum brake, providing reliable stopping power.
- Suspension: The Activa e: uses telescopic front forks and a monoshock rear suspension for a comfortable ride.
- Wheels and Tyres: It comes with alloy wheels, a 90/90-12 front tire and a 110/80-12 rear tire.
Performance and Specifications
The Honda Activa e: is designed for efficient and reliable urban commuting.
Performance Highlights:
- Motor: The scooter is powered by a 6 kW Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM).
- Torque: It produces a peak torque of 22 Nm.
- Acceleration: The scooter accelerates from 0 to 60 kmph in 7.3 seconds.
- Top Speed: It reaches a top speed of 80 kmph.
- Range: The Activa e: has a claimed riding range of 102 km on a single full charge.
Specifications Overview
| Feature | Specification |
| :——————– | :——————————————– |
| Motor | 6 kW PMSM |
| Peak Torque | 22 Nm |
| Battery | Dual 1.5 kWh swappable batteries (3 kWh total) |
| Range | 102 km |
| Top Speed | 80 kmph |
| 0-60 kmph | 7.3 seconds |
| Riding Modes | Econ, Standard, Sport |
| Display | 7-inch TFT |
| Front Brake | 160mm Disc |
| Rear Brake | 130mm Drum |
| Front Tire | 90/90-12 |
| Rear Tire | 110/80-12 |
| Kerb Weight | 119 kg |
| Ground Clearance | 171 mm |
Honda QC1: An Additional Electric Scooter Offering
Alongside the Activa e:, Honda also launched the QC1 electric scooter, which is positioned as a more affordable option in their electric lineup.
Key Features of the QC1:
- Battery: The QC1 features a fixed 1.5 kWh battery
- Range: It offers a range of 80 km on a single full charge.
- Motor: The in-wheel motor produces a peak output of 1.8 kW.
- Top Speed: It has a top speed of 50 kmph.
- Display: It comes with a 5-inch LCD display, a USB Type-C charging port, and 26 liters of under-seat storage.
- Charging: The battery reaches 80% charge in 4 hours and 30 minutes using a home charger.
The QC1 is priced at ₹90,000 (ex-showroom, Bengaluru) and is also available in five colors.
Market Impact and Competition
The launch of the Activa e: and QC1 signals Honda’s serious intent to capture a significant share of India’s rapidly growing electric scooter market. The Indian electric scooter market is becoming increasingly competitive, with major players like Ola Electric, TVS Motor Company, Bajaj Auto, and Hero MotoCorp vying for market dominance. In 2024, Ola Electric led the market, followed by TVS Motor and Bajaj Auto, but there have been shifts in market share recently.
Competitive Landscape
- Ola Electric: While previously the market leader, Ola has seen its market share decrease to 18.78% by December 2024.
- TVS Motor Company: TVS has seen an increase in market share to 23.48% with their iQube model, and has been lauded for dependability and efficiency.
- Bajaj Auto: Bajaj’s Chetak model has gained traction, capturing a market share of 24.93%.
- Hero MotoCorp: Hero has also made strides with its Vida brand.
The entry of the Honda Activa e:, with its well-known brand name and reliable features, could further intensify the competition, potentially reshaping the market dynamics.
The Future of Electric Scooters in India
The Indian electric two-wheeler market is poised for significant growth in the coming years. Factors such as increasing environmental awareness, rising fuel prices, and government incentives are driving the adoption of electric vehicles. It is projected that electric vehicles will account for 50% of the scooter market by 2030. In addition to the Honda models, several other electric scooters are expected to be launched in India in the coming years.
Key Market Trends:
- Increased Adoption: More consumers are choosing electric scooters due to their eco-friendliness, low maintenance costs, and affordability.
- Technological Advancements: Electric scooters are increasingly equipped with advanced features, such as fast charging, app connectivity, and multiple riding modes.
- Government Support: The Indian government is promoting the adoption of electric vehicles through subsidies and other incentives.
Conclusion
The launch of the Honda Activa e: at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 is a significant milestone in India’s electric vehicle journey. With its blend of familiar design, advanced technology, and reliable performance, the Activa e: is well-positioned to attract a wide range of consumers. As the market continues to evolve, Honda’s entry into the electric scooter segment is expected to contribute significantly to the growth and adoption of electric mobility in India. The Activa e: is not just another electric scooter; it represents the electric evolution of a household name, promising to be a game-changer in the Indian two-wheeler market.
