Honda Activa E: Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India has made a big splash in the Indian EV market by launching its first electric scooter, the Honda Activa E! This scooter is not only a perfect combo of style and comfort, but is also eco-friendly, which can become a game-changer for daily commuters. Let’s talk about its features, specs, and its speciality in detail, with a little Hinglish vibe! 😎
Honda Activa E: Why is it so special? 🤔
Honda’s Activa brand has always been a trusted name in India. Now its electric version, Activa E, is made for the new generation riders. This scooter blends the iconic design of the traditional Activa with modern electric technology. Its swappable battery setup and impressive range make it ideal for city commuting. Plus, it has futuristic features that give you a premium riding experience.
Honda Activa E: Price and Variants 💸
Honda Activa E is available in two variants:
Standard: Starting price ₹1.17 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
RoadSync Duo: Top-end variant at ₹1.51 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
These prices may seem a bit high, but considering its features and Honda’s reliability, it is a solid investment. Bookings have started from 1 January 2025, and deliveries will start from February 2025. For now, this scooter is available only in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, as Honda’s battery swapping network is strong in these cities.
Honda Activa E Design and Looks: Activa ka Swag! 😎
The design of the Activa E is inspired by the traditional Activa, but a little futuristic touch has also been added to it. This scooter looks absolutely sleek and stylish, and its LED combination lights and indicators give it a premium vibe. Its silhouette is the same as the classic Activa, which is very popular among Indian riders.
Honda Activa E Available Colors:
Pearl Serenity Blue
Pearl Shallow Blue
Pearl Misty White
Matt Foggy Silver Metallic
Pearl Igneous Black
These vibrant and classy colours make it attractive for both young and mature riders.
Performance and Range: ZOOM with Zero Emissions! 🚀
Honda Activa E is powered by a 6 kW Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) that produces a peak torque of 22 Nm. This scooter can achieve 0-60 kmph in just 7.3 seconds and has a top speed of 80 kmph. This performance is good enough for city rides, whether you are in busy traffic or on open roads.
Battery and Range:
Dual 1.5 kWh swappable batteries (total 3 kWh)
Claimed range: 102 km per charge
Charging time: 4-5 hours for a full charge (home charger)
Swappable batteries means you can instantly swap a discharged battery for a fully charged battery at Honda’s e:Swap stations. This feature is very convenient, especially when you are in a hurry.
Riding Modes:
Econ: Battery saving mode for longer range
Standard: Balanced performance
Sport: Max power for quick acceleration
Plus, it also has a reverse mode, which is useful in parking or tight spaces.
Features: Tech-Savvy and Smart! 📱
Activa E’s features make it a high-tech scooter. Here are some highlights:
7-inch TFT Display: This large and colorful display shows riding stats, battery level, and navigation info.
Honda RoadSync Duo: Through this app, you can connect your smartphone to the scooter. Features include:
Phone calls via Bluetooth
Navigation support
Ride data tracking
H-Smart Key System: Features like keyless access, smart unlock, and smart start give it a premium feel.
USB Type-C Socket: For on-the-go phone charging.
5-inch LCD Instrument Panel (Standard variant): Simple and clear info display.
All these features together make the Activa E a modern, connected, and user-friendly scooter.
Comfort and Handling: Smooth Ride, Every Time! 🛵
The suspension and braking system of the Activa E is optimised for city rides:
Suspension: Telescopic front forks and offset monoshock rear suspension handle bumps easily.
Brakes: A combination of front disc brake and rear 130mm drum brake ensures safe and quick stopping.
Wheels: 12-inch alloy wheels with 90-section tubeless tyres, which provide decent grip on city roads.
Weight: 119 kg, which makes it lightweight and easy-to-handle.
Seat Height: 675 mm, which is comfortable for both short and tall riders.
One downside is that the under-seat storage is very limited, which is a bit disappointing compared to the large boot space of the traditional Activa.
Battery Swapping: Future-Ready Convenience 🔋
Honda’s Mobile Power Pack e: system is the USP of the Activa E. These swappable batteries save you from having to wait for charging. There are already 83 e:Swap stations in Delhi and Bengaluru, and more are going to be set up in Mumbai soon. This system is very cost-effective and convenient in the long-term, but is currently available only in limited cities.
Yes, note one thing: Honda’s battery swapping subscription plans can be a little costly, and their value for money depends on your daily usage and availability of swapping stations.
Running Cost: Cheaper than Petrol? 💰
Activa E’s running cost is close to that of petrol-powered Activa, which is a big deal! Average running cost is around ₹0.29 per km, while petrol scooters cost a little more. Plus, electric scooters require less maintenance too – no engine oil, no filters! This is a smart choice for long-term savings, especially if you commute 30-40 km daily.
Pro Tip: For battery health, always keep the charge above 15% and use Econ mode for better range.
Rivals: Whose Upper Hand is it? ⚔️
Activa E’s competition in the Indian market is tough. It directly competes with these scooters:
TVS iQube: ₹1.07 – 1.85 lakh, similar range and features
Bajaj Chetak: ₹1.42 – 1.47 lakh, premium build
Ola S1 Pro: Aggressive pricing and performance
Ather Rizta: Modern features and connectivity
Activa E has the advantage of Honda’s trusted brand name and swappable battery system, but limited city availability and high price keep it down a bit.
User Reviews: What are people saying?
User feedback is mostly positive for Activa E:
“The ride is very smooth and silent. At first it felt strange without the engine sound, but now it’s fun!” – City commuter
“Looks and comfort are top-notch, but under-seat storage would have been a little more, perfect.” – Daily rider
“The concept of battery swapping is a game-changer, but there should be more stations.” – EV enthusiast
Some users cited the high price and limited storage as cons, but overall, Honda’s reliability and build quality are appreciated.
Warranty and Support: Tension-Free Ownership 🛠️
Honda Activa E comes with:
3 years/50,000 km warranty (whichever comes first)
3 free services in the first year
1 year free roadside assistance
These benefits ensure that your ownership experience is hassle-free. Plus, Honda’s widespread dealership network is also a big plus point.
Final Verdict: Is Activa E Worth It?
The Honda Activa E is a stylish, reliable, and feature-packed electric scooter that is perfect for city commuters. Its swappable battery system, premium features, and Honda’s brand trust make it a strong contender. Yes, there are a few drawbacks – limited storage, high price, and availability in only 3 cities for now. But if you want an eco-friendly ride and long-term savings, this scooter is a solid option.
Pros:
Swappable batteries and 102 km range
Premium features like TFT display and RoadSync Duo
Smooth and silent ride
Honda’s trusted brand
Cons:
Limited under-seat storage
High price compared to rivals
Battery swapping stations only in select cities
So, are you also excited for the Activa E? Bookings have already started, so quickly contact your nearest Honda dealership and book a test ride! 🚴♂️ Let’s go electric with Activa E! 💡
