Honda Motorcycles and Scooters has officially entered the electric vehicle market with the launch of the Activa e:, marking a significant step for the iconic Activa brand in India. This new electric scooter is available in two variants: the Standard model priced at Rs 1.17 lakh and the premium RoadSync Duo variant at Rs 1.52 lakh (ex-showroom). With its introduction, Honda aims to cater to the growing demand for electric scooters in urban areas, offering a blend of traditional design and modern technology.
The Activa e: showcases a conventional scooter-like design, enhanced with contemporary touches that appeal to a broad demographic—from young commuters to older riders. Drawing inspiration from Honda's CUV e: model available in Europe, the Activa e: maintains a familiar yet fresh aesthetic, ensuring it stands out in a crowded market.
One of the standout features of the Activa e: is its innovative swappable battery system. This technology not only enhances convenience by allowing riders to swap batteries at designated stations but also eliminates the long wait times typically associated with charging electric scooters. With a real-world range of approximately 80-85 km, it is well-suited for daily commuters.
Equipped with a 6 kW PMSM motor, the Activa e: delivers zippy performance, particularly in the City and Sport riding modes. While Honda claims a top speed of 80 km/h, test rides have shown it can reach up to 90 km/h. The scooter also features a full-width LED headlamp, LED DRLs, a USB-C port, and a 5-inch LCD rider’s display in the Standard variant. The RoadSync Duo variant is even more advanced, boasting a 7.0-inch TFT cluster with smart features such as topple alert, maintenance alerts, call and music control, navigation, live tracking, and Over-The-Air (OTA) updates.
However, the Activa e: is not without its shortcomings. The pricing, particularly for the RoadSync variant, has raised eyebrows, with critics pointing out that the additional features do not justify the premium of Rs 34,600 over the Standard model. Moreover, the Battery as a Service (BaaS) model, which requires users to swap batteries at Honda’s e: SWAP stations, has been met with skepticism. Users cannot charge the batteries at home, which could deter potential buyers who prefer the flexibility of home charging.
The subscription plans for the battery service are also complex. The Base plan costs ₹2,000 plus 18% GST per month for a usage of 35 kWh, which allows for around 40 km of daily riding. The Advance plan, priced at ₹3,500 plus 18% GST per month, offers up to 100 km per day. When compared to the petrol-powered Activa models, the cost per kilometer for the Activa e: is marginally lower, but the initial investment remains significantly higher.
Storage space is another concern, as the swappable batteries occupy the under-seat compartment, leaving only a small space for personal items like a mobile phone or wallet. Additionally, during a recent test ride, the mobile application designed to locate battery swapping stations exhibited performance issues, which could frustrate users.
Currently, the Activa e: is available in three major metropolitan areas: Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, with plans for expansion into more cities in the near future. This limited availability could hinder its market penetration, especially in regions where electric infrastructure is still developing.
In comparison, Honda has also launched the QC1, another electric scooter positioned as a more affordable alternative. The QC1 starts at ₹90,000 and features a single non-removable 1.5 kWh battery, offering an 80 km range on a full charge. Unlike the Activa e:, the QC1 allows home charging and is aimed at a different demographic, including college students and those needing a scooter for short commutes.
The Activa e: is undeniably a step forward in Honda’s electric journey, bringing modern convenience to one of India’s most beloved scooter names. With its stylish design, impressive performance, and innovative battery technology, it has the potential to attract a wide range of customers. However, the lack of home charging options, complicated subscription plans, and limited storage space may deter some buyers.
As the electric scooter market continues to evolve, the Activa e: represents both the challenges and opportunities facing manufacturers. With the right adjustments and improvements, Honda could solidify its position in the burgeoning electric segment, appealing to both traditional Activa fans and new customers seeking eco-friendly transportation solutions.
