Honda Activa Electric has officially launched the much-anticipated Activa e: at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. This electric scooter, available in two variants, promises to bring a new level of convenience and performance to the Indian electric vehicle (EV) market. The base variant is priced at Rs 1.17 lakh, while the advanced RoadSync Duo variant comes with a price tag of Rs 1.52 lakh.
Key Highlights of Honda Activa e:
- Impressive Range: Claimed IDC range of 102 km.
- Performance: Top speed of 80 km/h and 0-60 km/h acceleration in just 7.3 seconds.
- Variants: RoadSync Duo variant priced Rs 35,000 higher than the base model.
Honda Activa Electric: Price, Range, and Charging Details
The Honda Activa e: takes inspiration from the European CUV e:, incorporating similar design elements and technology. This EV features two swappable 1.5kWh batteries located under the seat. However, these batteries cannot be charged at home and must be swapped at Honda Power Pack Exchanger e: stations.
Range and Performance
The Activa e: offers a claimed IDC range of 102 km, making it suitable for urban commutes. Its swingarm-mounted motor delivers 6kW of power and 22Nm of torque, enabling a top speed of 80 km/h. The scooter’s quick acceleration allows it to go from 0 to 60 km/h in just 7.3 seconds, ensuring a responsive and enjoyable riding experience.
Charging Infrastructure
The absence of home-charging capability might pose a challenge for some buyers. Instead, Honda relies on its growing battery-swapping network. Currently, there are 83 Honda Power Pack e: swapping stations operational in Bengaluru, with plans to expand to Delhi and Mumbai. Honda aims to establish over 250 stations in Bengaluru alone by 2026, ensuring that a station is available every 5 km within the city. Customers can opt for a pay-per-swap system or the Battery-as-a-Service model, offering flexibility in usage.
Design and Features
Storage Constraints
The placement of the batteries under the seat limits storage space on the Activa e:. While this design prioritizes battery swapping convenience, the lack of storage might deter some customers who require space for carrying personal items.
Innovative Rollout Strategy
Honda plans to introduce the Activa e: through its existing Red Wing dealerships using a ‘shop-in-shop’ concept. Concept Stores will also be established in select cities, creating a unique customer experience. The Activa e: will be manufactured at Honda’s Narsapura plant in Karnataka, along with the QC1.
Competition in the Electric Scooter Market
The Activa e: faces stiff competition from established models such as the Bajaj Chetak, TVS iQube, Ather Rizta, Vida V2, River Indie, and Ola S1. While these competitors offer home-charging capabilities, Honda is banking on its battery-swapping infrastructure to carve out a niche in the market.
Availability and Phased Rollout
Honda plans to roll out the Activa e in phases:. Deliveries will begin in Bengaluru in February 2025, followed by Delhi and Mumbai in April 2025. Initially, the scooter will be available in three cities, with plans to expand to other regions based on demand and infrastructure development.
Final Thoughts
The Honda Activa e: is a bold step into the future of urban mobility. While its reliance on battery-swapping stations might limit its appeal to some, the convenience and performance it offers could make it a game-changer in the EV market. With the expansion of charging infrastructure and innovative models like Battery-as-a-Service, Honda is poised to compete strongly against other leading players.
The Activa e: represents Honda’s commitment to sustainable transportation, and its success will likely depend on how quickly and efficiently the battery-swapping network is established across India. For urban commuters seeking an eco-friendly, performance-driven scooter, the Activa e: is certainly worth considering.
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I am Praveen Porwal, a 21-year-old passionate about writing and staying informed. On CNA Times, I bring the latest news and updates, offering readers accurate and insightful information with my expertise and dedication.