Honda is stepping into the electric vehicle (EV) market in India with two new scooters: the Activa e: and the QC1. These scooters represent Honda’s first electric models in India and are part of the company’s plan to achieve carbon neutrality by the 2040s.
The Activa e: is designed for India and other emerging markets, while the QC1 is specifically developed for the Indian market. With the launch of these scooters, Honda aims to tap into the rapidly growing EV segment in India. The Activa e: and QC1 electric scooters were revealed by Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India.
Bookings for both models have started, with a small booking fee, and deliveries are expected to begin in February 2025. These scooters will initially be available in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, with plans to expand across the country later. Both the Activa e: and QC1 will be manufactured in India.
Honda Activa e 2025
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Motor Power | 6 kW |
| Battery Capacity | 3 kWh |
| Range | 102 km |
| Top Speed | 80 kmph |
| Front Brake | Disc |
| Rear Brake | Drum |
| Battery Warranty | 3 Years or 50,000 km |
| Vehicle Warranty | 3 Years or 50,000 km |
Standout Features of the Activa e:
- The Activa e: includes a reverse mode for added convenience.
- It is equipped with swappable battery charging stations to make charging more efficient.
- The scooter features a 7.0-inch TFT display with turn-by-turn navigation.
Design and Build
The Activa e: features a modern design with all-LED lighting, including headlights, taillights, and indicators. It also has LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights). The scooter has a ground clearance of 171 mm, making it suitable for Indian road conditions. It uses a 160 mm front disc brake and a 130 mm rear drum brake for effective braking.
Both ends are equipped with 12-inch wheels. The scooter weighs 118 kg and has a wheelbase of 1310 mm.
Smart Features
The Activa e: comes with several smart features to enhance the riding experience. The top-spec RoadSync Duo variant has a 7.0-inch TFT display with turn-by-turn navigation, music controls, and notification alerts. This display can be controlled via toggle switches on the handlebar and has day and night modes.
The scooter also features the Honda H-Smart key system, which includes Smart Find, Smart Safe, Smart Unlock, and Smart Start functions.
Performance and Riding Modes
The Activa e: offers three riding modes: Econ, Standard, and Sport. These modes allow riders to adjust the scooter’s performance based on their needs. The scooter is powered by a swingarm-mounted PMSM electric motor that produces 22 Nm of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 kmph in 7.3 seconds.
The scooter also features a digital speedometer, odometer, and clock.
Honda’s QC1 Electric Scooter
The Honda QC1 is designed with a focus on simplicity and affordability. It features a fixed 1.5 kWh battery and an in-wheel motor. The scooter offers a range of 80 km on a full charge and has a top speed of 50 kmph. The QC1 is targeted towards younger riders and those looking for a basic, efficient electric scooter.Here is a quick spec overview of the Honda QC1:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 1.5 kWh |
| Range | 80 km |
| Top Speed | 50 kmph |
| Motor Power | 1.8 kW |
| Front Brake | Drum |
| Rear Brake | Drum |
| Charging Time | 4 hours 30 minutes (to 80%) |
Design and Features
The QC1 has a slimmer profile and a simple design. It features drum brakes on both ends. The scooter includes a 5-inch LCD display and a USB Type-C charging port. It also offers 26 liters of under-seat storage, which is a practical feature for everyday use. The QC1 is available in five colors.
Performance
The QC1 is equipped with an in-wheel electric motor that delivers a peak output of 1.8 kW. It can accelerate from 0 to 40 kmph in 9.4 seconds. The scooter’s fixed 1.5 kWh battery takes 4 hours and 30 minutes to charge to 80% using a home charger. The QC1 provides a comfortable and efficient ride for urban commutes.
Comparison of Activa e: and QC1
| Feature | Honda Activa e: | Honda QC1 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | Dual 1.5 kWh swappable batteries (3 kWh total) | Fixed 1.5 kWh battery |
| Range | 102 km | 80 km |
| Motor Power | 6 kW | 1.8 kW |
| Top Speed | 80 kmph | 50 kmph |
| Brakes (Front/Rear) | Disc/Drum | Drum/Drum |
| Display | 7-inch TFT | 5-inch LCD |
| Smart Features | H-Smart key, RoadSync Duo app | USB Type-C charging port |
| Storage | No under-seat storage | 26 liters under-seat storage |
Additional Features and Benefits
Both the Activa e: and QC1 come with a 3-year/50,000 km warranty, along with three free services and one year of complimentary roadside assistance. These scooters are designed to handle typical Indian road conditions and offer a comfortable and reliable ride.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
The introduction of the Activa e: and QC1 aligns with Honda’s global vision of achieving carbon neutrality. By offering electric scooters, Honda aims to reduce emissions and promote sustainable transportation in India. These scooters represent a step towards a cleaner and greener future.
Target Audience and Market Positioning
The Honda Activa e: is targeted towards consumers looking for a high-performance, feature-rich electric scooter. It is designed to appeal to those who value technology, convenience, and style. The QC1, on the other hand, is aimed at younger riders and those seeking an affordable and practical electric scooter for daily commuting.
Pricing and Availability
The Honda Activa e: is priced between Rs 1.17 Lakh to Rs 1.52 Lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The Honda QC1 is priced at Rs 90,000 (ex-showroom, Bengaluru). Bookings for both models are open, and deliveries are scheduled to begin in February 2025. Initially, the scooters will be available in select cities, with plans for a nationwide expansion.
Charging Infrastructure and Swappable Batteries
One of the key features of the Activa e: is its swappable battery technology. This allows riders to easily swap out depleted batteries for fully charged ones, reducing downtime and increasing convenience.
Honda plans to set up swappable battery charging stations to support this feature. The QC1, however, comes with a fixed battery that needs to be charged using a standard charger.
Manufacturing and Local Production
Both the Activa e: and QC1 will be manufactured at Honda’s Narsapura plant in Karnataka. This demonstrates Honda’s commitment to local production and supporting the Indian economy.
Conclusion
With the launch of the Activa e: and QC1, Honda is well-positioned to make a significant impact on the Indian electric scooter market. These scooters offer a combination of performance, features, and sustainability, catering to a wide range of consumers.
As the demand for electric vehicles continues to grow, Honda’s entry into the EV segment is a strategic move that will contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable future for India.
