Honda Activa EV Set to Revolutionize India's Two-Wheeler Segment

In a major push towards sustainable mobility, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) is set to launch its first electric scooter for the Indian market, widely expected to be the , on November 27, 2024. Known for its reliability and popularity among Indian commuters, the Activa brand’s shift to an electric variant marks a significant milestone for Honda’s journey toward electrification in India.

Honda Activa EV The Design and Features of the Honda Activa EV

While specific details remain under wraps, industry insiders suggest that the Activa Electric might draw inspiration from the CUV e concept showcased at EICMA 2024. Here’s what we could expect:

• A conventional yet modern design
• Full LED lighting for enhanced visibility
• 7-inch TFT display with connectivity features
• USB-C charging port for device convenience
• Reverse assist functionality
• Smart key operation for added convenience

Powertrain and Performance

The Activa Electric will likely feature a mid-range electric motor capable of around 8 bhp, supporting a top speed of approximately 80 km/h. Expected range is around 70-80 km on a single charge, with the possibility of multiple variants to cater to different needs, providing varied performance and range options.

Battery and Charging

A crucial aspect of the Activa Electric will be its battery setup, rumored to include:

• A fixed battery pack, likely situated under the floorboard
• Potential dual 1.3 kWh battery packs if aligned with the CUV e concept
• Charging time of approximately 6 hours for a full charge and 3 hours for a 75% charge

For cost-efficiency in the Indian market, the Activa Electric may adopt a fixed battery system instead of removable ones.

Platform and Production

Built on Honda’s dedicated Platform E, designed to support various electric models, the Activa Electric showcases Honda’s commitment to the future of electric mobility. The production infrastructure supporting this launch includes:

• A dedicated “Factory E” at Honda’s Narsapura plant in Karnataka
• Expanded manufacturing capabilities at facilities in Gujarat and Karnataka
• A target production capacity of 1 million EV units by 2030

Technological Advancements

The Activa Electric promises to be a tech-savvy scooter, offering advanced features such as:

• Battery Management System (BMS) for optimized battery life
• Regenerative braking to extend range and improve efficiency
• Multiple riding modes for customizable performance
• Smartphone connectivity for remote diagnostics and software updates

Honda’s Solution R&D Centre in Bengaluru is at the forefront of developing these technological advancements.

Positioning and Competitors

Entering India’s rapidly expanding electric two-wheeler market, the Activa Electric will compete with popular models like:

• Bajaj Chetak Electric
• TVS iQube
• Ola S1
• Ather 450X
• Hero Vida V1

Honda’s strong brand reputation and the established popularity of the Activa name give it a competitive edge in this segment.

Pricing and Launch Strategy

While official pricing is yet to be announced, industry experts speculate that the Activa Electric will be priced between ₹1 lakh to ₹1.3 lakh (ex-showroom). This would position it competitively within the market, and Honda may adopt a phased rollout strategy:

• Initial launch in major metropolitan areas
• Gradual expansion to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities
• Offering multiple variants to appeal to a wide range of customer needs

Infrastructure and Future Plans

To support EV adoption, Honda has partnered with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) to set up a nationwide network of battery-swapping stations, beginning with 23 stations in Bengaluru as part of the first phase.

Looking ahead, Honda has outlined a comprehensive roadmap for EV growth in India, including:

• The launch of 10 electric two-wheelers over the next five years
• Development of swappable battery technology
• Upgrading existing service centers to “Workshop E” for EV support

Environmental Impact

Each Activa Electric could potentially reduce up to 1 ton of CO₂ emissions annually compared to its petrol counterpart, aligning with Honda’s vision for a cleaner future.