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This is a long-awaited move by Honda. However, given the competition from established players like Bajaj Chetak, TVS iQube, and Hero Vida V1—not to mention the innovation-driven startups like Ola Electric and Ather Energy—Honda will need to bring something exceptional to the table. The scooter looks like a mix between Ola and Ather.
I feel like key factors like range, battery technology (fixed or swappable), charging infrastructure, and pricing will be crucial for its success in the Indian market.
Hoping to see them come up something worth the hype.
So I went to Honda showroom in my hometown to checkout CB200X there i asked them about the new EV scooter. The Sales executive said it will be Activa EV and will launched by the end of month or early next month. I haven't asked the nuances and details about battery capacity though.
New teaser shows removable batteries for the e-scooter.
Source:-
https://www.bikewale.com/news/honda-...ble-batteries/
Looks like we'll be getting the CUV e: re-branded as the Activa electric. The TFT and LED lighting may not make it to the Activa electric so I guess its not a simple badge change.
Lack of underseat storage space in a commuter EV scooter is disappointing though, Ather, Bajaj and TVS can breathe easy.
Launch/Unveil is on 27 Nov so waiting for further clarity.
Images of the CUV e: for reference, taken from Honda UK's website.
Large chunk of potential EV scooter buyers live in apartments and they simply cannot switch to EV because of non existent charging infrastructure. This new Honda scooter (I will refrain from calling it as e-Activa yet) may become natural choice for them. Lack of storage space is a concern though.
Btw, here is an interesting take on battery swapping by Ather CEO:
https://www.fortuneindia.com/enterpr...her-ceo/115195
I am scared about the safety of these batteries if dropped and not handled properly. After that you keep them in your house. We dont even pump our own petrol and we have helpers for that rl:
They can of course need not be removed and charged while in scooter but adds to cost on designing the scooter for accessing batteries and making them removable. Centre of gravity will not be very low in such cases too.
Quote:
Originally Posted by FlankerFury
(Post 5880698)
New teaser shows removable batteries for the e-scooter.
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The only issue with this design is that there is no underseat storage which is a big ask for scooter users.
Honda has already Established battery swapping stands at several metro stations and petrol bunks in bangalore. I have personally seen one at yeshwantpur metro station and a petrol bunk on hesarghatta road
Battery swapping wont work when you're selling millions of scooters. For India, 'charge at home' is best case scenario (My apartment does not allow EV charging in the parking area, still), but then we have seen fires too haven't we.
Range is a disappointment. I think Vida gives better range.
Why am I getting a feeling that Honda have already done R&D for a better product but are holding back many features etc for later models...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sebring
(Post 5875336)
But I see that Honda is equipping every dealership with battery swap infrastructure, and (as luck has it) there is one, just a KM from my place. This is important for me, that Honda thought ahead and I will certainly buy this scooter.
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Almost all Metro stations in Bangalore have this Honda battery swap service. It was done for rickshaws.
Ref:
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...w/96084154.cms
I am curious how this removable battery mechanism will be helpful or more effective than a built-in battery. Onboard space is a necessity for scooters in India.
I can already see a jugaad solution for more space by running the scooter with one battery and storing sabzis in the battery compartment.
Quote:
Originally Posted by jawalover193
(Post 5878936)
However, given the competition from established players like Bajaj Chetak, TVS iQube, and Hero Vida V1—not to mention the innovation-driven startups like Ola Electric and Ather Energy—Honda will need to bring something exceptional to the table.
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Actually not IMHO!
This is the first entry from an international and established brand in the electric scooter space, that too a brand which has earned the maximum reputation in the Indian two-wheeler industry.
We see how people still demand very less from an Activa, despite much better competition. In fact, forget the entry level bikes - people are even waiting months for their premium big bikes without even a TD and paying a big premium over the competition for it.
Very likely that Honda is going to take a big chunk of the market away from the others, unless the product is far too inferior! Even if they give 70% of OLA at 130% of the price- this is going to be a run away success. All they need to do is to name this the e-Activa and then watch the queues piling up outside showrooms! :coldsweat
Quote:
Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR
(Post 5881639)
Even if they give 70% of OLA at 130% of the price- this is going to be a run away success. All they need to do is to name this the e-Activa and then watch the queues piling up outside showrooms! :coldsweat
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Unfortunately I feel this is exactly what Honda will do, and the people will lap it up because it has the Activa name.
What I am hoping for is a Ather competitor (at the same price) and Ola competitor at the same price (so Bhavish Agarwal will stop scamming people with rickety time-bombs on wheels). It doesn't have to have all the bells and whistles, it just needs proper battery charging infrastructure, good range (100km real world atleast) and storage compartments, and a competitive price.
Hoping Honda does not do the same as with their NX500 and first batches of CB300R (priced at 2.7L).
Honda electric scooter teased ahead of its India debut
Honda has released yet another teaser video of its upcoming electric scooter for India. The latest teaser reveals the charging port of the new e-scooter.
Honda’s first e-scooter for India is expected to share its underpinnings with the CUV e: that was unveiled at EICMA 2024. We know from previous teasers that the e-scooter will be powered by removable battery packs placed under the seat.
The Honda e-scooter will have two riding modes: Standard and Sport. It will have a maximum range of 104 km on a single charge.
Honda’s first electric scooter for India could be called Activa Electric and is expected to compete with the Ola S1, Ather Rizta, TVS iQube and Bajaj Chetak.
Link to Team-BHP News
Flex fuel can reduce Co2 emission norms by 80% and we have launched the first E85 compatible motorcycle in India.
The Honda
Activa E will have two variants - one with a fixed battery and the other with removable batteries. Quote:
will be setting up battery swapping stations for the Activa E. The electric scooter will go on sale in 2025 and will be launched in a phased manner with metro cities being priority.
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83 swapping stations are already installed in Bengaluru. Roll out is already progressing in Delhi and Mumbai. These battery swap stations are run by Honda Power Pack Energy Private Limited.
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With swappable batteries one can charge the scooter within a minute.
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Idea is to have a swapping station within 5km of each other.
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Honda extending its reliability quotient in the EV space too, something which other brands have struggled with.3 years/50,000 km warranty on motor, battery and vehicle
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Honda unveils its electric scooter for the Indian market. Activa E is the premium variant with swappable batteries.
The Honda QC 1 gets fixed batteries.
Bookings for both electric scooters start in January 2025.
Honda plans to attain carbon neutrality by 2050. It’s betting on flex-fuel and electric vehicles to achieve this ambitious target.
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