Honda 2Wheelers India has sold 2.5 million units of the Activa range in FY2024 and over 1.5 million units in the first half of FY2025. It's no wonder that the Activa is the top-selling scooter in India, with very few competitors even coming close to its success. So, when Honda announced an electric version of this popular model, it was a significant move. Given the brand's late entry into the e-scooter market, expectations are running high. This isn't just an Activa with an electric motor; it's an entirely new scooter that also represents Honda's entry into the electric vehicle market, alongside the new QC1. The Honda Activa e is almost a fully equipped family electric scooter, but there's one major drawback. Want to find out what it is? Keep reading!

Honda Activa e: Aesthetic Appeal

The new Activa e might not be a style icon, but it does have a fresh yet recognizable appearance. Built from scratch with a brand-new chassis, the Activa e is tailored specifically for the Indian market. Its design is straightforward, featuring a modern flair thanks to the LED headlamp and daytime running lights. The body panels are uncomplicated, and overall, the scooter keeps its styling quite minimal.

Honda Activa e: Comfort and Storage Solutions

The ergonomics are spot on, providing ample space for both the rider and passenger. The e-scooter features a roomy seat measuring 692 mm in length, and the floorboard is also quite spacious. There's plenty of knee room, so taller riders won’t constantly bump into the handlebar during sharp turns.

However, the Activa e falls short in the storage department. There's a small compartment in the inner apron that can barely fit a mobile phone, and the under-seat storage is pretty much useless since the swappable batteries take up that space. There is a little bit of storage left, but it’s best suited for a first-aid kit and some tools.

Honda Activa e: Highlights

The new Activa e's top-spec variant boasts an impressive feature set. It includes a 7-inch TFT display that connects seamlessly with the Honda RoadSync Duo app. The screen is large, user-friendly, and offers a vibrant display with clear graphics and easy-to-read text. The digital console features Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for call and SMS notifications, integrated navigation with eSwap locations, over-the-air updates, and additional functionalities. However, the base model opts for a simpler 5-inch TFT console without Bluetooth capabilities.

On the left side of the handlebar, there's a toggle stick that manages all the functions, making it straightforward to use with great readability and a rider-friendly design. It also has up and down buttons, with the down button serving as the throttle in reverse mode. The Activa e comes equipped with a Smart Key that offers keyless start, remote seat unlocking, backlit features, and more as standard, enhancing its premium feel.

Honda Activa e: Performance Overview

The Honda Activa e is powered by a PMS motor mounted on the swingarm, producing 6 kW (8 bhp) and 22 Nm of peak torque. Its performance is solid, with a 0-60 km/h time of just 7.3 seconds. You get that strong initial boost typical of electric scooters, and the throttle response is spot on. Power delivery is smooth, no matter which riding mode you choose. Speaking of modes, there are three options: Eco, Standard, and Sport.

The ride quality of the Activa e is quite impressive. While Eco mode feels a bit sluggish and Standard is just right for city riding, Sport mode is where it really shines. Honda might not explicitly say it, but this is definitely the most performance-oriented Activa they've created. The Sport mode gives an extra boost that makes the ride a lot more fun. Navigating through traffic is a breeze, and the scooter feels agile. It maintains stability at high speeds, but the power surge is mostly felt between 50 and 70 km/h, which is enough for quick overtakes. It does take a little while to reach its top speed of 80 km/h.

Honda Activa e: Steering and Stopping Power

In the city, the Sport mode packs enough power to zip through traffic effortlessly. The scooter is super agile, and the weight distribution feels just right. You barely notice the 119 kg weight when riding or even when parking. The suspension is comfortable and effectively smooths out bumps in the road. The ride quality on the Activa e is impressive, especially on rough surfaces.

Braking is smooth, featuring a disc brake in the front and a drum brake in the back, allowing for quick stops. However, the lack of regenerative braking on this electric scooter is a downside when it comes to maximizing range. Overall, the Activa electric's mechanics work well together, making it a reliable choice for everyday use with minimal complaints.

Honda Activa e: Battery Exchange and Distance Coverage

Battery swapping tech is gaining traction in several Southeast Asian nations, helping to tackle two key issues: alleviating range anxiety and bridging the gap between petrol scooters and electric vehicles (EVs). While Honda’s eSwap technology effectively eliminates range anxiety, there are still many unanswered questions regarding pricing.

The Honda Activa e boasts a range of 102 km (IDC) on a single charge thanks to its 1.5 kWh battery pack, and each swap should provide around 100 km of range with minimal downtime. However, it doesn't quite close the price gap between the petrol-powered Activa 125 and its electric version.

Starting at ₹1.17 lakh for the base model and reaching up to ₹1.51 lakh (ex-showroom) for the top variant, the Activa e is significantly pricier than its petrol equivalent. Additionally, customers must pay a monthly subscription fee for the batteries on top of the ex-showroom price. Honda offers two subscription options: a 40 km/day plan for ₹1,999 (+ GST) and a 100 km/day plan for ₹3,599 (+ GST). This adds a notable premium to the typical Activa ownership experience.

Is the Honda Activa e worth your money?

What buyers really want from the Activa e is convenience, which is essential for any scooter ownership experience. A lower price would have made it a true mass-market model, similar to the petrol-powered Activa. Plus, when you factor in the battery packs—one of the biggest expenses for any e-scooter—it's important to note that these aren't included in the ex-showroom price. You don’t actually own the battery pack.

If a customer needs to create an Excel sheet just to figure out the costs of the Activa e, that’s a bit counterproductive. Also, swapping out the 10.5 kg battery packs regularly could be a hassle, especially for many scooter users who are women or seniors, as they might struggle with this task.

Honda's main challenge is to set up a reliable battery-swapping infrastructure for its customers. With no other charging options available, users will rely entirely on eSwap stations to recharge their scooters. The company will need to establish a solid swapping network in every market, which is vital for its success. Sales will kick off in Bengaluru first, where there’s an eSwap station every 5 kilometers, followed by launches in Mumbai and Delhi in April. Will Honda's strategy succeed? The effectiveness of the swapping network and pricing will be key factors.

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