Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) on Wednesday announced its entry into the electric vehicle (EV) market with the launch of two models: ACTIVA e and QC1.
Both electric vehicles will be manufactured at HMSI’s Narsapura plant near Bengaluru, Karnataka. The company emphasized that these launches represent a significant step towards promoting sustainable mobility in India.
ACTIVA e
The ACTIVA e combines Honda’s iconic design with modern electric technology. It features a sleek, contemporary look with all-LED headlights, tail lamps, and signature DRLs. Notable design elements include a dual-tone seat, a flat footboard, diamond-cut alloy wheels, and a robust grab rail.
Offered in two different variants:
- ACTIVA e
- ACTIVA e Honda RoadSync Duo
It will be offered in five colors:
- Pearl Shallow Blue
- Pearl Misty White
- Pearl Serenity Blue
- Matt Foggy Silver Metallic
- Pearl Igneous Black
A 7.0-inch TFT screen provides connectivity through the Honda RoadSync Duo app, enabling calls and navigation via Bluetooth. The screen features day and night modes that automatically adjust brightness based on ambient light. It can be controlled using handlebar switches.
The ACTIVA e is powered by swappable battery technology, with two Honda Mobile Power Pack e batteries, each with a 1.5 kWh capacity and a range of 102 km per full charge. These batteries can be exchanged at Honda Power Pack Exchanger e stations in Bengaluru and Delhi, with plans for expansion to Mumbai.
Powered by a 6 kW electric motor, the ACTIVA e delivers 22 Nm of torque, accelerating from 0 to 60 km/h in just 7.3 seconds, with a top speed of 80 km/h. Riders can choose between three driving modes: Econ, Standard, and Sport.
QC1
The Honda QC1 is designed for personal mobility, featuring a seamless, fluidic design with LED headlights and clear indicators. The QC1 will be available in five color options:
- Pearl Serenity Blue
- Pearl Misty White
- Matt Foggy Silver Metallic
- Pearl Igneous Black
- Pearl Shallow Blue
It includes a 5.0-inch LCD screen that shows essential information and a USB Type-C outlet for device charging. The QC1 also offers 26 liters of storage space under the seat, making it ideal for daily use.
Powered by a 1.5 kWh fixed battery, the QC1 offers a range of 80 km on a full charge. The battery can be charged from 0 to 80% in 4 hours and 30 minutes and fully charged in 6 hours and 50 minutes using a 330-watt off-board home charger. The QC1’s motor delivers a peak power of 1.8 kW and 77 Nm of torque, with a top speed of 50 km/h. It also features two riding modes: Standard and Eco.
Battery Swap Service
HMSI has introduced a battery swap service for the ACTIVA e through Honda Power Pack Energy India Pvt. Ltd. (HEID). Customers can register through the HEID app to access battery swap stations. The service will expand to Mumbai by April 2025, with 250 stations planned in Bengaluru, 150 in Delhi, and 100 in Mumbai by March 2026.
HEID aims to create India’s largest battery swap network, partnering with HPCL, BMRCL, DMRC, Adani Electricity, and HMSI dealerships. The Honda Power Pack Cloud system will monitor all batteries to ensure safety and efficiency.
Pricing and Availability
- ACTIVA e: Available from February 2025 in Bengaluru, with expansion to Delhi and Mumbai by April 2025.
- QC1: Available from February 2025 in select cities.
As per the announcement, pricing will be revealed during the rollout. Both models come with a 3-year/50,000 km warranty and three free services in the first year. Customers will also benefit from free roadside assistance for the first year.
Speaking about the launch of Honda’s first electric vehicles for the Indian market, Tsutsumu Otani, Managing Director, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said,
Today marks a significant milestone as HMSI enters the electric mobility space. The introduction of ACTIVA e: and QC1 is a defining moment in our commitment to sustainable mobility in India. This move aligns with Honda’s global ‘Triple Action to ZERO’ initiative aimed at achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, focusing on three pillars: carbon neutrality, clean energy, and resource circulation. With our EV roadmap now in action, HMSI is dedicated to building one of India’s leading EV ecosystems. This is a key step in Honda’s electrification journey, and with each move forward, we remain focused on creating a safer, more sustainable future that meets the evolving needs of society.
Speaking about the future of Honda Power Pack Energy India, Takuya Taniguchi, President & CMD, said,
HEID will focus on three key actions: continuously expanding its battery swap network, ensuring reliable service through a highly integrated system that monitors each unique battery and exchanger, and supporting customers to deliver an exceptional battery swap experience. HEID aims to contribute to carbon neutrality and a greener future for India by driving the widespread adoption of battery swap solutions.