Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India has officially opened bookings for its debut electric two-wheelers, the Honda Activa e and Honda QC 1, for a nominal fee of ₹1,000. Customers can reserve these models at select dealerships in key cities, including Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai for the Activa e, and additional locations like Pune, Hyderabad, and Chandigarh for the QC 1. Deliveries are slated to commence in February 2025, with the price announcements scheduled during the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 later this month.
Honda Activa e: A Modern Twist on a Classic
The Honda Activa e brings the trusted design and framework of India’s best-selling scooter, the Activa, into the electric era. Positioned as a commuter electric scooter, it rivals 110cc internal combustion models while retaining the familiar aesthetics that have made the Activa a household name. Honda’s focus on incorporating the Activa’s proven design language into its electric counterpart aims to appeal to loyal customers and first-time electric scooter buyers alike.
Design and Features
- Sleek Aesthetics: LED combination lights and indicators at the front and rear, giving it a modern yet recognizable look.
- Riding Modes: Three options—Standard, Sport, and ECON—to suit different preferences and road conditions.
- Honda RoadSync Duo: A smart connectivity feature enabling users to make calls and navigate via smartphone integration through Bluetooth.
Performance and Battery
The Activa e is powered by two Honda Mobile Power Pack e: swappable batteries, delivering energy to a wheel-side motor rated at 5.6 bhp (standard) with a peak output of 8 bhp. Key performance highlights include:
- Range: 102 km on a single charge.
- Riding Modes: Adjustable power delivery for optimized range and performance.
- Swappable Batteries: A practical solution for extended use and quick recharging.
Honda QC 1: Compact, Efficient, and India-Exclusive
The Honda QC 1, described by the company as a moped rather than a scooter, offers an entry-level electric vehicle option tailored exclusively for the Indian market. Its compact size and focus on efficiency make it ideal for short urban commutes.
Design and Features
While it shares some design cues with the Activa e, the QC 1 distinguishes itself with:
- Simplified Aesthetics: Lacks the high-mounted LED DRL and wraparound taillight seen on the Activa e.
- Practical Features: A 5-inch LCD instrument panel displaying speed, battery level, and other essential data, along with a USB Type-C charging socket and under-seat storage.
Performance and Battery
The QC 1 uses a 1.5 kWh fixed battery, promising durability and high energy density. Paired with an in-wheel motor, it delivers:
- Output: 1.6 bhp (standard) and 2.4 bhp (maximum).
- Range: 80 km on a single charge.
- Braking: Drum brakes at the front, as opposed to the disc brakes on the Activa e.
Pricing and Availability
While official pricing for both models will be unveiled at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, industry analysts expect competitive positioning to attract first-time EV buyers and loyal Honda customers. Both models will cater to different user segments:
- Honda Activa e: A robust commuter scooter designed for versatility and longer daily rides.
- Honda QC 1: A compact, cost-effective option for urban and short-range users.