Honda Activa Electric (Activa e:)—Honda’s first electric scooter for India, Honda has officially confirmed the development of Honda Activa Electric Launch In India. While it’s widely referred to as the “Honda Activa Electric” in media and public discourse, Honda has not yet officially confirmed this name. It is expected to carry a new name to establish its identity in the electric segment, but it will leverage the immense brand trust of the Activa.
Launch Timeline & Strategy
- Announcement & Teasers
Honda unveiled the Activa e: alongside the QC1 in late 2024, signalling its entry into EVs in India. These models are part of Honda’s global strategy to launch 30 electric vehicles by 2030, with two of them—Activa e: and QC1—already launched for the Indian market (Honda Global, EVreporter). - Booking & Deliveries
Bookings began on 1 January 2025, with deliveries starting in February 2025 in key cities—Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru (BikeWale, ZigWheels.com). - Launch Event & Pricing
At the Bharat Mobility/Auto Expo in January 2025, Honda officially launched the Activa e:- Standard variant priced at ₹1.17 lakh (ex-showroom)
- RoadSync Duo variant priced at ₹1.52 lakh (Autocar India, ZigWheels.com).
Features & Specifications
- Battery & Powertrain
- Uses dual swappable Honda Mobile Power Pack e: batteries (1.5 kWh each)
- Powered by a 6 kW permanent-magnet synchronous motor, producing 22 Nm of torque (BikeWale, Autocar India).
- Performance & Range
- Claimed range: 102 km (IDC cycle)
- Top speed: 80 km/h
- Acceleration (0–60 km/h): around 7.3 seconds (Autocar India, BikeWale, Gadgets 360).
- Technology & Connectivity
- RoadSync Duo app-connected 7″ TFT display (variant-dependent) with navigation, phone, and music controls, along with H-Smart key functionalities (Smart Find, Smart Unlock, etc.) (BikeWale).
- Design & Practicality
- Based on the global CUV-e platform, the Activa e: retains the familiar Activa styling with LED lighting and alloy wheels (BikeAdvice, BikeWale).
- Note: Battery swapping limits under-seat storage space.
Market Reception & Challenges
- Sales Performance
Despite the Activa name’s popularity, the electric version has seen very low sales—only 16 units sold in July 2025 across the three launch cities (Samayam Tamil). - Key Drawbacks Noted by Users
- Lack of home charging; users must use Honda’s proprietary battery-swapping stations
- Limited storage due to swappable battery setup
- Modest range and speed, seen as underwhelming compared to competitors
- High price point (₹1.17–1.52 lakh) without added-value features (Samayam Tamil).
Summary Table
| Feature/Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch | Bookings Jan 2025; deliveries Feb 2025 |
| Price | ₹1.17 lakh (Standard); ₹1.52 lakh (RoadSync Duo) |
| Battery | Dual swappable 1.5 kWh packs |
| Range & Speed | 102 km range; 80 km/h top speed |
| Display & Tech | 7″ TFT + smartphone connectivity |
| Sales Feedback | Very limited sales; infrastructure issues |
Final Thoughts
The Honda Activa e: is a bold step for Honda, taking a familiar nameplate into the EV space. It offers refined styling, connectivity, and the promise of a trusted brand—but its reliance on battery swap-only charging, limited practicality, and a high price have clearly hindered adoption compared to better-equipped competitors.
If you’re in a metro city with access to swapping stations and value tech-ready features, it may be worth considering—but for many, the constraints might outweigh the legacy name.
Want a detailed comparison with other electric scooters or help evaluating value vs. alternatives? Let me know—I’d be happy to help!