Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has entered the electric vehicle market, marking a transformative milestone with the introduction of two groundbreaking models: the ACTIVA e: and QC1. The launch event, which took place in Bengaluru, Karnataka, was a celebration of Honda’s commitment to shaping the future of sustainable mobility in India. With the debut of these electric two-wheelers, Honda not only continues its iconic Activa legacy but also pioneers innovation with cutting-edge electric technology. Bookings for these models are set to open on January 1, 2025, with deliveries beginning in February 2025.
A Bold Step into the Future
The launch of the ACTIVA e: and QC1 represents HMSI’s entry into India’s rapidly growing electric vehicle market. Mr. Tsutsumu Otani, Managing Director, President & CEO of Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, expressed his excitement, stating, “Today marks a significant day as HMSI takes a step into the electric mobility space. The introduction of ACTIVA e: and QC1 aligns with our global ‘Triple Action to ZERO’ goal, which aims for carbon neutrality by 2050. This includes a focus on carbon neutrality, clean energy, and resource circulation. Our EV roadmap is now in action, and we are committed to building one of India’s leading EV ecosystems.”
He continued, “This is a milestone moment in Honda’s journey toward electrification. We are focused on building a future that is safer, more sustainable, and meets the evolving needs of society.”
An Exciting New Era of Sustainable Mobility
Yogesh Mathur, Director of Sales and Marketing at Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, highlighted the company’s excitement over this launch. “We are ecstatic to mark our entry into the Indian EV market with not one but two all-new electric vehicles. This is a significant milestone in our journey towards providing cleaner mobility solutions. With ACTIVA e:’s swappable battery technology and QC1’s fixed battery setup, we’re offering the best of both worlds. Together, we are striving to meet the diverse needs of our customers and push towards a cleaner future.”
Honda ACTIVA e: | A New Era of Electric Mobility
Iconic Design Meets Advanced Innovation
The ACTIVA e: reimagines the iconic Activa in an electrified avatar while retaining its beloved design. Honda has successfully combined heritage and modernity, blending the traditional Activa silhouette with sleek, futuristic elements. The result is a scooter that looks striking yet familiar, appealing to the modern rider. The scooter features an all-LED headlight and tail lamp, as well as smiling DRLs that light up the road in style.
The ACTIVA e: comes in two variants: ACTIVA e: and ACTIVA e: Honda RoadSync Duo®, offering a blend of elegance and practicality. It is available in five fresh colors: Pearl Shallow Blue, Pearl Misty White, Pearl Serenity Blue, Matt Foggy Silver Metallic, and Pearl Igneous Black. The scooter also boasts premium features like dual-tone seating, 12-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, a flat footboard, and a sturdy grabrail for enhanced comfort and usability.
Modern Technology for the Connected Rider
Honda has equipped the ACTIVA e: with advanced technology that ensures a connected riding experience. The scooter’s centerpiece is a 7.0-inch TFT screen that works with the Honda RoadSync Duo® app. This allows users to stay connected in real time and access navigation, along with day/night modes that adjust the screen brightness automatically. The ACTIVA e: also features the Honda H-Smart key, which comes with Smart Find, Smart Safe, Smart Unlock, and Smart Start features for added convenience.
Revolutionary Swappable Battery Technology
The ACTIVA e: introduces swappable battery technology, a game-changer for convenience and efficiency. Each of the two batteries has a 1.5 kWh capacity and provides a range of 102 km on a full charge. These batteries can be easily swapped at Honda Power Pack Exchanger e: (BeX) stations, which are already operational in Bengaluru and Delhi, with plans to expand to Mumbai soon. Powered by a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor, the ACTIVA e: delivers 6 kW of peak power and 22 Nm of torque, making it a high-performance electric scooter. It accelerates from 0 to 60 km/h in just 7.3 seconds and has a top speed of 80 km/h. Riders can also choose between three modes: Econ, Standard, and Sport.
Honda QC1 | Your Personal Mobility Solution
Elegant, Fluidic Design
The Honda QC1 offers sleek styling with a futuristic touch. The smooth body lines of the QC1 give it an elegant and modern look, complete with LED headlights and a clear, functional tail lamp. Available in five vibrant color options—Pearl Serenity Blue, Pearl Misty White, Matt Foggy Silver Metallic, Pearl Igneous Black, and Pearl Shallow Blue—the QC1 is designed to stand out on the road.
Advanced Battery and Charging Technology
The QC1 comes with a 1.5 kWh fixed battery, providing a range of 80 km on a single charge. Charging is made simple with a 330-watt home charger that offers safe and efficient charging. The QC1 can charge from 0 to 80% in just 4.5 hours, while a full charge takes 6.5 hours. The scooter also features an in-wheel electric motor that delivers a peak power of 1.8 kW and a maximum torque of 77 Nm, reaching a top speed of 50 km/h. The QC1 comes with two riding modes: Standard and Econ, which provide tailored power and efficiency depending on the rider’s needs.
Unmatched Convenience
Honda’s QC1 is built for convenience, featuring a 5.0-inch LCD display that provides essential vehicle information at a glance. The scooter also offers a USB Type-C outlet for charging devices, along with 26 liters of under-seat storage for practicality.
Enhanced Ownership Experience
Both the ACTIVA e: and QC1 will be sold through Honda’s selected dealer network in key cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, with deliveries set to begin in February 2025. These electric vehicles will be manufactured at HMSI’s Narsapura plant near Bengaluru and come with a 3-year or 50,000 km warranty, including three free services for the first year. To further enhance the ownership experience, Honda will offer free roadside assistance for the first year.
With these innovative and user-friendly models, Honda is setting a new standard for electric two-wheelers in India, solidifying its commitment to delivering a cleaner, more sustainable future for mobility.