The Activa e: is one of two new electric scooters introduced in India, sharing components with the CUV e.
After an exceptionally long wait, Honda has unveiled two new electric scooters: the Activa e: and the QC1. This article will focus on the Activa e:, which is considered the more premium electric vehicle from Honda, powered by swappable batteries.
Available in two variants, each featuring a unique display and set of features. The Activa e will initially be limited to Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Bookings are set to begin on January 1, 2025, with deliveries expected by February.
Honda Activa e : Details
The Honda Activa e is powered by a pair of 1.5kWh batteries, which can be easily swapped out at Honda’s Power Pack Exchange battery swapping stations. The estimated IDC range on a single charge is 102 kilometers. These batteries deliver power to a motor mounted on the swingarm, generating 6kW of power and 22Nm of torque, allowing the Activa e to achieve a claimed top speed of 80 kilometers per hour. Honda also boasts that the electric Activa can reach 0-60 kilometers per hour in just 7.3 seconds.
The foundation of the Activa Electric is quite straightforward, featuring an underbone frame supported by a telescopic fork and a mono-shock suspension system. The Activa e: comes in two models – the Standard and the Honda RoadSync Duo, with the former weighing 118kg and the latter slightly heavier at 119kg.
This places the Honda Activa Electric on par with the TVS iQube and Ather Rizta in terms of weight. With a ground clearance of 171mm, the Honda Activa e: is well-suited for the road conditions found in India. Equipped with a 160mm front disc brake and a 130mm rear drum brake, the Activa e: handles braking tasks effectively. It is designed to roll on 12-inch front and rear wheels.
The Honda Activa e shares many components with the European CUV e: yet its design stands out significantly from that of the CUV e:. The Activa e: seems to be positioned as a premium vehicle, characterized by its sleek, clean lines, all-LED lighting, and seamless pillion footpegs. The Activa e, positioned under the seat, offers surprisingly limited storage space, despite featuring two small compartments on the front apron, one of which includes a USB charger. Similar to its gasoline-powered counterpart, the Activa electric model comes equipped with a key fob, providing keyless entry functionality.
The Activa e: offers three riding modes – Eco, Standard, and Sport – along with a reverse function. The base model features a 5-inch TFT display, which, unfortunately, has limited Bluetooth capabilities. Conversely, the top-of-the-line RoadSync Duo variant boasts a 7-inch dashboard, complete with turn-by-turn navigation and notification alerts. This similarity extends to the Activa e: and the CUV e:, highlighting their shared features. Both versions of the Activa e: are available in five colors: two blue options (one lighter than the other), white, grey, and black.
The Honda Activa e will be distributed through existing Red Wing dealers, utilizing a ‘shop in shop’ concept as part of a phased rollout. This strategy includes the opening of Concept Stores in several cities in the near future. Both the Activa e: and the QC1 will be produced at Honda’s Narsapura plant in Karnataka. Additionally, there are 83 Honda Power Pack e: battery-swapping stations in Bengaluru, which are currently being expanded to Delhi and Mumbai.
Honda is set to expand its presence in Bengaluru, aiming to establish over 250 charging stations across the city by 2026. The goal is to ensure that stations are located every 5 kilometers throughout the urban area. Customers will be required to pay per charge, and Honda is also introducing the Activa e: model, which will be available with a unique Battery-as-a-Service option. Further details regarding this service will be shared in the near future. Initially, the Activa e: will be launched in Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai. Customers can pre-book their Activa e: models starting from January 1, 2025, with deliveries expected to commence in February of the same year.