Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has made a major move in the EV segment with the arrival of its first batch of Honda Activa Electric (eActiva) scooters at dealerships. Spy images reveal that both the Activa E and QC1 models are being dispatched to showrooms ahead of their official launch. The company is set to announce pricing and begin bookings this month, with deliveries scheduled for February 2025.
Activa E & QC1 – Variants and Features
To cater to different customer needs, Honda is introducing two variants:
- Activa E – A premium model equipped with dual swappable lithium-ion batteries (1.5 kWh each), producing 8.15 PS of power, a certified range of 102 km, and a top speed of 80 km/h. Its 13-degree gradeability makes it better suited for inclines.
- QC1 – A more affordable version with a fixed 1.5 kWh battery, generating 2.44 PS of power, an 80 km range, and a top speed of 50 km/h. However, its 7-degree gradeability may limit uphill performance.
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Production Plans and Localization
Honda plans to manufacture 1 lakh electric scooters in 2025, focusing on 99% localization by sourcing most components from within India. Production is currently taking place at Honda’s Narsapura facility in Karnataka, while ICE two-wheeler production continues at its Alwar, Manesar, and Vithalapur plants.
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Sales & Distribution Strategy
Honda is adopting a phased rollout strategy, launching its electric scooters first in metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, before expanding nationwide. Unlike other EV brands that rely on exclusive retail outlets, Honda will sell Activa Electric through its existing dealership network, with dedicated EV sections for seamless sales and service support.
Battery as a Service (BaaS) Model
A standout feature of the Activa E is its Battery as a Service (BaaS) model, allowing users to swap batteries at designated stations instead of charging them at home. This reduces upfront costs, eliminates battery maintenance worries, and enhances convenience for users.
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Competing in the Growing EV Market
With the first batch of Activa Electric scooters reaching dealerships, Honda is gearing up to compete with leading EV brands like Ola Electric, Ather, and Bajaj Chetak. By offering both swappable and fixed battery options, a strong dealership network, and highly localized production, Honda is set to make a significant impact in India’s fast-growing electric two-wheeler market.
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Conclusion
With the arrival of the first batch of Honda Activa Electric (eActiva) scooters at dealerships, HMSI is making a strong entry into India’s electric two-wheeler market. By offering two variants—the premium Activa E with swappable batteries and the QC1 with a fixed battery—Honda aims to cater to a wide range of customers. Its localized production, extensive dealership network, phased rollout strategy, and innovative Battery as a Service (BaaS) model position it as a strong competitor against established EV brands like Ola Electric, Ather, and Bajaj Chetak. As Honda ramps up production and expands its EV presence, the Activa Electric is set to play a crucial role in accelerating India’s transition to sustainable urban mobility.
