The Honda Activa has long been a staple in the Indian scooter market, renowned for its reliability and performance. With the growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs), Honda is set to launch the Honda Activa Electric, aiming to capture a significant share of the burgeoning electric scooter segment. Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting new entry.
Launch Timeline
Honda has officially announced that the Activa Electric is expected to launch by March 2025. This timeline was confirmed by Tsutsumu Otani, CEO of Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India, during the SIAM Annual Convention 2024, where he acknowledged that the launch had been delayed but is now on track for early 2025.
Expected Features
The Honda Activa Electric is anticipated to come packed with modern features that cater to tech-savvy consumers. Key features may include:
- Battery Swapping Technology: It may be compatible with Honda’s e:Swap battery swapping system, which is already operational in select locations, helping to alleviate range anxiety among users
- Advanced Instrumentation: A fully digital instrument cluster with smartphone connectivity and possibly a touchscreen interface for navigation and other functionalities
- Safety and Convenience Features: Expect hill-hold assist, reverse mode, keyless operation, and comprehensive storage solutions including spacious underseat storage
- Design Elements: The design is likely to mirror the traditional Activa aesthetics while incorporating modern touches like all-LED lighting and a lighter frame
Performance and Specifications
While detailed specifications are yet to be released, it is expected that the Activa Electric will offer a competitive range of 100-150 km on a single charge, aligning with industry standards for electric scooters. The scooter will likely feature:
- Motor Output: Power figures are expected to be competitive within its segment, although exact numbers have not been disclosed.
- Suspension and Braking: The setup may include telescopic forks at the front and a preload-adjustable mono-shock at the rear, with disc brakes in the front and drum brakes at the rear
Pricing
The pricing strategy for the Honda Activa Electric aims to make it accessible while remaining competitive. Estimates suggest an ex-showroom price range of approximately ₹1 lakh to ₹1.6 lakh. This pricing positions it against rivals like the TVS iQube, Ather 450X, Ola S1 Pro, and Bajaj Chetak
Competition
The Honda Activa Electric will face competition from several established players in the electric scooter market:
- TVS iQube Electric
- Ather 450X
- Ola S1 Pro
- Bajaj Chetak
These competitors have already made significant inroads into the market, offering various features and price points that appeal to different consumer segments