Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has officially entered the electric two-wheeler market in India with the launch of its first electric scooters, the ACTIVA e: and QC1, marking a significant step in the company’s commitment to sustainable mobility. The unveiling took place in Bengaluru on Wednesday, with the announcement of pre-orders set to begin on January 1, 2025. Deliveries for both models are slated to commence in February 2025, although the company has yet to announce the pricing details. This move by Honda is seen as a strategic entry into the rapidly growing electric vehicle (EV) market in India, where consumer interest in eco-friendly alternatives is rising.
The introduction of these electric scooters aligns with Honda’s global initiative, “Triple Action to ZERO,” aimed at achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. This ambitious concept focuses on three key areas: carbon neutrality, clean energy, and resource circulation. Tsutsumu Otani, the Managing Director, President, and CEO of HMSI, emphasized that the ACTIVA e: and QC1 are a defining step in Honda’s journey toward sustainable mobility in India. “This launch marks an important milestone in our efforts to offer cleaner, greener transportation options to our customers,” Otani remarked.
Honda ACTIVA e: – A New Benchmark in Electric Scooters
Among the two models, the Honda ACTIVA e: stands out with its innovative design and features. It is powered by a modular battery system, capable of holding two 1.5 kWh batteries, which can be easily replaced. This flexibility is intended to reduce downtime for users, as they can swap batteries at Honda’s designated battery swapping stations. The ACTIVA e: offers a commendable range of 102 km on a full charge, making it ideal for daily urban commutes.
The scooter boasts a top speed of 80 km/h, with an acceleration of 0 to 60 km/h in just 7.3 seconds. Riders can choose between three different performance modes Econ, Standard, and Sport each offering different mileage and performance levels, depending on the rider’s needs. The Econ mode is designed to optimize battery usage, making it suitable for longer rides, while the Sport mode provides quicker acceleration for a more dynamic riding experience.
Honda has also taken significant strides in the development of charging infrastructure. The ACTIVA e: is supported by Honda Power Pack Exchanger e: (BeX) stations, which are already operational in Bengaluru and Delhi, with plans to expand to Mumbai soon. These stations provide a convenient and efficient way for users to exchange their depleted batteries for fully charged ones, addressing the range anxiety often associated with electric vehicles.
Honda QC1 – A Stylish and Practical EV Option
The second offering from Honda, the QC1, caters to a slightly different segment. Unlike the ACTIVA e:, the QC1 comes with a fixed 1.5 kWh battery pack and provides a range of 80 km on a single charge. The QC1 has two ride modes Standard and Econ with the latter focusing on energy efficiency. The QC1 also supports a 330-watt off-board home charger, which features auto-cut technology for added safety. Charging the QC1 is convenient, with the battery reaching 80% charge in just 4 hours 30 minutes and a full charge taking 6 hours 50 minutes.
Both the ACTIVA e: and QC1 are manufactured at HMSI’s Narsapura plant near Bengaluru, ensuring high-quality production and local employment. Honda is also offering a three-year or 50,000 km warranty on both scooters, along with three free services in the first year, giving customers peace of mind in terms of maintenance and reliability.
A Future-Oriented Step in India’s EV Landscape
Honda’s entry into the electric two-wheeler market is timely, as India experiences a boom in the EV sector, driven by government incentives and increasing consumer awareness of environmental issues. The launch of the ACTIVA e: and QC1 signals Honda’s long-term commitment to electrifying its product lineup and contributing to a sustainable future in India. With the company’s strong reputation for quality and reliability, these new electric scooters are poised to be popular choices among Indian consumers looking for efficient and eco-friendly transportation solutions.
As Honda gears up for the official pre-orders in January, all eyes will be on how the ACTIVA e: and QC1 perform in the highly competitive Indian electric two-wheeler market.
