Honda Targets 1 Lakh Electric Scooters Production in 2025, All Set for Phased Distribution

After much anticipation, Honda Motorcycles & Scooters India (HMSI) has officially entered the electric vehicle market with the introduction of their two new electric scooters: Activa E and QC1. This launch marks Honda’s entry into the rapidly growing electric two-wheeler segment in India, which has been dominated by other players like Ola, Hero Electric, and Ather Energy.

Key Features of the Activa E and QC1

Powertrain and Performance

• Activa E

• Motor: 6 kW direct drive motor.

• Battery: Dual 1.5 kWh swappable lithium-ion batteries.

• Range: 102 km.

• Top Speed: 80 km/h.

• Acceleration: 0 to 60 km/h in 7.3 seconds.

• Gradeability: 13 degrees, ideal for tackling inclines.

• Special Features: The Activa E’s high-performance motor and dual battery system position it as a premium offering in the EV market, making it a great choice for those seeking both power and efficiency.

• QC1
  

• Motor: 1.8 kW in-wheel motor.

• Battery: Fixed 1.5 kWh lithium-ion battery.

• Range: 80 km.

• Top Speed: 50 km/h.

• Acceleration: 0 to 40 km/h in 9.4 seconds.

• Gradeability: 7 degrees, making it suitable for city commuting but less effective on steep inclines.

• Special Features: The QC1 is built as an affordable option, with a focus on ease of use and simplicity, making it an excellent entry-level choice for new EV users.

Battery and Charging Solutions

• Activa E offers a Battery as a Service (BaaS) program, which will allow users to swap out their batteries at Honda’s Power Pack Exchange stations. These stations are already operational in Bengaluru and Delhi, with plans to expand to Mumbai soon. Honda plans to open 500 stations throughout India by March 2026.
  

• The QC1 uses a fixed battery that will require home charging, aligning with a more traditional approach.

Production and Sales Strategy

Honda plans to produce 1 lakh units of its electric scooters in 2025, with Activa E and QC1 models rolling off the production line at the Narsapura factory in Karnataka. This facility is the only plant dedicated to the production of these electric models, while the company’s other factories in Alwar, Manesar, and Vithalapur will continue to manufacture their conventional two-wheelers.

Phased Rollout

The scooters will be introduced in a phased manner, with initial sales targeting metro cities such as Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai. Honda is aiming to cover 50% of the domestic electric two-wheeler market in the first year of operation. In terms of sales and service, Honda will leverage its existing Red Wing dealerships, where dedicated electric vehicle (EV) sections will be created. There are currently over 6,000 sales and service touchpoints across the country to support this rollout.

Pricing and Localisation

• Localisation: Honda has achieved 99% localisation in the production of these electric scooters, including sourcing the battery packs from local suppliers. This localisation will help keep costs competitive, making the Activa E and QC1 more affordable compared to other premium EV offerings on the market.
  

• Pricing: According to various sources across the internet, Activa E is expected to be priced between ₹1,00,000 - ₹1,20,000 (ex-showroom). As for the QC1, it is anticipated to be more affordable than the Active E, with pricing details to be announced in January 2025, along with the start of bookings. Moreover, deliveries are expected to begin by February 2025.

Future Plans and Expansion

Honda does not have immediate plans to export its electric scooters but will focus solely on the Indian market for the time being. As part of its commitment to the electric vehicle ecosystem, the company is also working to upgrade its dealerships to handle the sales and service requirements of EVs effectively.

In the coming years, Honda’s focus will be on expanding its battery-swapping network and providing a convenient, sustainable way for customers to manage battery life, a critical concern for EV owners.

Honda Electric Scooters at a Glance:

The Bottom Line

Honda’s electric scooters, Activa E and QC1 are set to provide accessible, efficient, and eco-friendly transportation in India. With a focus on performance, affordability, and localisation, these models are set to take on the competition in the growing EV market. With innovative charging solutions and affordable pricing, the Activa E and QC1 are expected to appeal to a wide range of customers, from urban commuters to eco-conscious buyers.