In a significant leap towards sustainable urban transportation, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) has unveiled the Honda Activa E, marking its foray into the electric two-wheeler market. Building upon the legacy of the renowned Activa series, the Activa E seamlessly blends Honda’s engineering prowess with cutting-edge electric vehicle (EV) technology. This comprehensive overview delves into the scooter’s design, battery capacity, technical specifications, pricing, and additional features, offering a detailed insight into what makes the Activa E a game-changer in the EV landscape.
Design and Aesthetics
The Honda Activa E embodies a minimalist yet contemporary design philosophy, ensuring it appeals to both existing Activa enthusiasts and new-age riders. Key design elements include:
- Sleek Profile: The scooter features clean lines with subtle creases, exuding a modern aesthetic while maintaining the familiar Activa silhouette.
- LED Illumination: An apron-mounted LED headlight ensures optimal visibility, complemented by handlebar-mounted LED daytime running lights (DRLs) that enhance on-road presence.
- Premium Finishes: Available in five sophisticated color options—Pearl Serenity Blue, Pearl Misty White, Matt Foggy Silver Metallic, Pearl Igneous Black, and Pearl Shallow Blue—the Activa E caters to diverse stylistic preferences.
- Ergonomic Features: Flush-fitting pillion footrests and a well-contoured seat ensure rider and passenger comfort, making it ideal for daily commutes.
Battery Capacity and Swapping Technology
At the heart of the Activa E lies its innovative battery system, designed to address common concerns associated with electric vehicles:
- Swappable Battery Packs: The scooter is equipped with two 1.5 kWh lithium-ion batteries, collectively offering a 3 kWh capacity. This design facilitates a claimed range of 102 km on a full charge, catering to typical urban commuting needs. citeturn0search0
- Battery Swapping Infrastructure: Recognizing the challenges of prolonged charging times, Honda has introduced a battery-swapping model. Instead of waiting for batteries to charge, riders can exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones at designated Honda battery-swapping stations. This initiative is managed by Honda Power Pack Energy India Pvt. Ltd., aiming to establish 500 swapping stations across Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi by March 2026, with 250 stations operational in Bengaluru by February 2025. citeturn0search4
Technical Specifications
The Activa E is engineered to deliver a balanced blend of performance, efficiency, and convenience:
- Motor and Performance: A 6 kW swingarm-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor propels the scooter, generating a peak torque of 22 Nm. This setup enables the Activa E to accelerate from 0 to 60 km/h in approximately 7.3 seconds, with a top speed of 80 km/h. citeturn0search3
- Riding Modes: To accommodate varying riding conditions and preferences, the scooter offers three distinct modes:
- Econ: Prioritizes energy efficiency, extending the scooter’s range.
- Standard: Balances performance and efficiency for regular commuting.
- Sport: Delivers enhanced acceleration and responsiveness for dynamic riding experiences.
- Chassis and Suspension: The Activa E rides on 12-inch alloy wheels, supported by telescopic front forks and dual rear springs, ensuring a stable and comfortable ride across varied terrains.
- Braking System: A combination of front disc and rear drum brakes provides reliable stopping power, enhancing rider safety.
Pricing and Variants
Honda offers the Activa E in two distinct variants to cater to a broad spectrum of consumers:
- Standard Variant: Priced at ₹1,17,000 (ex-showroom, Bengaluru), this model offers essential features suitable for daily commuters. citeturn0search2
- RoadSync Duo Variant: At an introductory price of ₹1,52,000 (ex-showroom, Bengaluru), this premium model incorporates advanced connectivity features and additional conveniences.
Bookings commenced on January 1, 2025, with a nominal token amount of ₹1,000. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in February 2025 for Bengaluru, followed by Mumbai and Delhi in April 2025. citeturn0search2
Smart Features and Connectivity
Embracing the digital age, the Activa E is equipped with a suite of smart features designed to enhance the riding experience:
- TFT Instrument Cluster: A 7-inch TFT display serves as the scooter’s information hub, providing real-time data on speed, battery status, and riding mode. The display also supports Bluetooth connectivity, enabling integration with the Honda RoadSync Duo smartphone application.
- Honda RoadSync Duo App: This proprietary app offers functionalities such as turn-by-turn navigation, incoming call alerts, and message notifications, ensuring riders stay connected without compromising safety.
- H-Smart Key System: Enhancing security and convenience, the H-Smart key system includes features like Smart Find (locating the scooter in parking areas), Smart Safe (anti-theft alarm), Smart Unlock (keyless access), and Smart Start (push-button ignition).
Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) Model
To further alleviate concerns related to battery maintenance and longevity, Honda introduces a flexible Battery-as-a-Service model:
- Subscription Plans: Riders can choose from two subscription plans based on their daily usage:
- 40 km Daily Plan: Priced at ₹1,999 per month, suitable for short-distance commuters.
- 100 km Daily Plan: At ₹3,599 per month, this plan caters to riders with extensive daily travel requirements.
