Honda Forays into the EV Two-Wheeler Market with Activa e and QC1 Models

Honda Forays into the EV Two-Wheeler Market with Activa e and QC1 Models
Honda Enters EV Market with Activa e and QC1 Two-Wheelers

According to data from market intelligence platform Redseer, sales of electric vehicles (EVs) are expected to reach 22 million units by 2030, having grown rapidly from 0.8 million units in 2023.

In order to target this segment, on 27 November, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) unveiled the Activa e, an electric variant of its well-known Activa scooter, and the QC1, a second model, marking the company's official entry into the Indian EV two-wheeler market.

Honda Activa e Specifications

An internal permanent magnet synchronous electric motor with a peak output of 6 kW and a torque of 22 Nm powers the new Honda Activa e. According to Honda, it can reach a high speed of 80 km/h and sprint from 0 to 60 km/h in 7.3 seconds. There are three riding modes available for the Activa e: Econ, Standard, and Sport.

The two interchangeable Honda Mobile Power Pack e-batteries, created and managed by Honda Power Pack Energy India Pvt. Ltd., are the main attraction. According to Honda, both have a 1.5 kWh capacity and a 102 km range on a full charge. There are two versions of the Activa e: the Activa e and the Activa e: Honda RoadSync Duo. The latter has a 7.0-inch TFT screen and can link to the Honda RoadSync Duo app in real time.

In addition to having day and night settings that automatically adjust the screen's brightness and readability based on ambient light, the infotainment system offers navigation. Toggle switches on the handlebar are used to control the TFT screen. All-LED lighting with "smiling" DRLs, a 12-inch diamond-cut alloy wheel, a level footboard, a strong grab rail, and a dual-tone seat are standard on both models.

Additionally, it comes with Honda's H-Smart key, which has functions like Smart Start, Smart Safe, Smart Unlock, and Smart Find. Pearl Shallow Blue, Pearl Misty White, Pearl Serenity Blue, Matt Foggy Silver Metallic, and Pearl Igneous Black are the five colours that will be available for the scooter.

Honda QC1 Specifications

In contrast, the Honda QC1 will have a single, fixed 1.5 kWh battery pack that has an 80 km range. It takes 4 hours and 30 minutes to charge from 0% to 80%, and 6 hours and 50 minutes to fully charge. An in-wheel electric motor with a maximum torque of 77 Nm and a peak power rating of 1.8 kW is fitted to the QC1. This translates to a top speed of fifty kilometres per hour. Standard and Econ are its two riding modes, which modify power and efficiency according to the rider's preferences.

A 330-watt off-board home charger with auto-cut technology for safety can be used to charge it at home. Additionally, it only has a 5.0-inch all-info LCD screen, as opposed to the TFT screen in the Activa e. In addition to 26 litres of under-seat storage, the QCI will have a USB Type-C plug.

Honda's Narsapura factory in Karnataka, close to Bengaluru, will produce the Activa e and QC1. They will include three complimentary services for the first year and a three-year or 50,000-kilometer guarantee. For the first year, Honda will also provide complimentary roadside assistance.

The Revolutionary Swappable Battery Technology from Honda

There will be dedicated Honda Power Pack Exchanger e (swapping stations) spread around different cities where the Activa e's swappable batteries can be swapped. According to Honda, this is already operational in Delhi and Bengaluru and will shortly begin operations in Mumbai as well.

According to Yogesh Mathur, Director, Sales and Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, the organisation is working to satisfy the wide range of demands of its clients with ACTIVA e's swappable battery technology and QC1's fixed battery setup in addition to the industry-leading hassle-free ownership experience.


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