Today’s Indian market for electric scooters is rapidly increasing and becoming a focal point for manufacturers. The Indian manufacturers have made significant strides in the segment. Still, it has turned to a Japanese giant company, Honda, which is preparing to make its mark with its first Honda Activa e or Honda Activa electric scooter. Honda has played the game cleverly, as in the Indian household, active has been a favorite, but now it would be a real challenge for the Honda Active electric scooter to maintain the familial touch with the Indian market electric scooters. However, the real challenge with Honda’s active electric scooter would be delivering a product that appeals to the discerning price-conscious Indian Customers.
Let is check the design and features of the Honda Activa Electric scooter.
Honda Activa Electric Scooter Display features
The Honda Activa Electric Scooters Road Sync Duo top model offers a 7-inch TFT display. This advanced display technology incorporates smartphone features via a separate paired Honda app.
Once paired, users can receive notifications and even navigational guidance on the display screen. As with other Honda scooters, the user interface design is straightforward, and the aesthetics result from Honda’s trademark Japanese meticulousness.
Attractive and Stylish Exterior:
The outline of the Honda Activa Electric scooter is sleek and muscular, and the well-fitted proportional design enhances its beauty. The front apron has a graceful shape with LED headlights embedded seamlessly. The side panels are gracefully sculpted. The vehicle’s rear is square with a squared-off tail, giving the vehicle a lot of style. Honda also details the diamond-cut design of alloy wheels, the panel gap details, the cap of the pillion footrest, and the casing on the swing arm motor. The detail of the components, the paint surface quality, and the feel of the switchgear convey the intention of superior quality Honda.
The Active Motorbike with Electric Technology’s Enhancements in Comfort and Safety: “Safety and convenience are of primary importance for Honda. The Honda Activa Electric scooter has the latest digital speedometer, illuminated odometer, multi-functioning trip meter, and an LED headlight and turn light for easy visibility at night. It also has a multifunctional digital instrument cluster for easy monitoring while driving. Coupled with disc brakes and tubeless tires, this scooter has other important features, including alloy wheels, a charging USB port, and a scooter design that makes it look appealing to the modern rider.”
Performance and Handling Analysis
The riding experience and performance of the Honda Activa Electric scooter differ from those of the traditional petrol-powered version, and it does not give riders the expectation of the typical “Activa” feel. One striking adjustment is the ride quality, which is more rigid than the standard, soft, cushioned riding experience of the Activa 125.
Rigid does not mean harsh, but the suspension may be overly stiff for people accustomed to gas-powered versions. This could be explained by the electric version being approximately 12 kg heavier than the 125. That said, the added weight Honda Activa Electric scooter is relatively fast with her horsepower and the three riding modes. Eco mode allows riders to conserve energy, while Standard and Sport modes perform pretty well, allowing the scooter to reach 90 km/h faster. Both modes allow 360-degree maneuvering due to the 12-inch wheels providing a stable and confident ride.
There is something exceptional about how this scooter can achieve a jaw-dropping 190-kilometer range on a single charge. The 4.5 kWh lithium battery helps it achieve such fantastic ranges, especially with fast charging capabilities on the scooter. Commuters will surely love this feature. Electric scooters also feel more natural to switch to than petrol versions, a shift many riders of the Honda Activa Electric scooter experience a strong dose of joy when riding the scooter. The throttle response is mild in Eco mode, although riders can still achieve 30-40 km/h speeds.
In Standard mode, the scooter accelerates urgently but comfortably at 80 km/h. The scooter’s most energetic acceleration is captured during Sport mode with the Honda Activa Electric scooter, easily exceeding 80 km/h.
Honda Activa Electric Scooter Specification
| Specification | Activa e: |
| Display | 7-inch TFT |
| Charging Port | USB-C |
| Storage | Dual pockets |
| Connectivity | Honda RoadSync Duo app |
| Wheels | 12-inch diamond-cut alloy |
| Rear Suspension | 3-step adjustable monoshock |
| Ground Clearance | 171mm |
| BaaS Subscription Plan (Basic) | Rs 1999/month (+GST) – 35kWh/month – 40km/day |
| BaaS Subscription Plan (Advance) | Rs 3599/month (+GST) – 87kWh/month – 100km/day |
| Price | Rs 1.17 lakh to Rs 1.52 lakh (ex-showroom) |
| Underseat Storage | – |
| Claimed Range | 102km |
| Motor | PMSM |
| Power | 6kW (8bhp) |
| Torque | 22Nm |
| Battery | Swappable 2 x 1.5kWh Lithium-ion |
| Charging Time (0-80%) | 4 hours 30 minutes |
| Charger | – |
| Claimed Top Speed | 80kmph |
| Seat Height | 766mm |
Honda Activa Electric Scooter Battery Swapping Cost
The main takeaway is that performance is good even when the battery is low. The scooter maintained a decent speed of 40 km/h while coming close to a battery swap station, which is fast enough to demonstrate that these chargers endure even when low on power. Also, the system has been designed so a rider can get back onto the scooter with charged batteries after a bit of time elapses.
It is worth highlighting that the system is also designed to make swapping batteries easy and quick. The firm suspension system, on its part, does appear to perform best at higher speeds by providing some relief on rougher surfaces.
The steering control is effortless, which compliments the scooters good grip tires and brakes that aid in quick and easy stopping. The Activa e: offers some fun while riding, but few other features such as reverse mode should be made easier to use for a better experience. With this said, the scooter is still effortless and fun to use.
Honda Activa Electric Price
The Honda Activa e’s base version comes at a cost of Rs 1.17 lakh, while its connected tech and navigation variant, comes at a whopping price of Rs 1.51 lakh. Both of these variants are quite expensive. How easily prospective customers will go ahead with these purchases will largely depend on the location of the battery swapping station and subscription costs.
The ride quality of the scooter is remarkable, there is a lot more competition in the market which makes it difficult to suggest the Honda Activa Electric scooter at this time.
Conclusion
The Honda Activa Electric scooter promises exceptional convenience. However, the costs of operating it are bound to be higher when compared to other options. It seems rather unfortunate that the rest of India will not enjoy what is otherwise a commendable electric scooter CBD in India. Even potential users may be frightened away due to subscription models that strip the affordability typically connected with the running expenses of electric scooters. If it empowered customers, the Activa E would beat all family electric scooters, but in its current state, it is a marginal option at best.
