Honda Activa e

The Activa E is powered by a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) with a peak output of 6 kW, enabling the scooter to accelerate from 0 to 60 km/h in 7.3 seconds. It offers three riding modes—Eco, Standard, and Sport—allowing riders to choose between maximizing range or performance based on their needs. The scooter achieves a top speed of 80 km/h, suitable for city commutes and occasional highway stretches.

The dual swappable lithium-ion batteries, each with a capacity of 1.5 kWh, provide a combined capacity of 3 kWh, delivering a claimed range of 102 km on a single charge.

While cruising around 50-60 km/h, I got about 80 km of range on a full charge from 100% to 0% SOC. This is a bit unrealistic; expect about 70 km on average.

Now here lies the dumbest thing I have ever witnessed. Honda charges ₹2,000 a month for 35 kWh or about 11 battery swaps. A full charge can do 80 kilometers at once, so 11 swaps mean 880 km of drivable range per month at ₹2,000 (GST extra!). So ₹2,000/880 km = ₹2.27 per kilometer. A regular Activa returns about 50 kilometers per ₹100 of fuel or around ₹2 per kilometer.

So not only is the Honda Activa Electric ten percent more expensive, but it also costs about ₹1.30 lakh on-road, has ZERO storage, and you cannot charge it at all. Currently, chances of seeing a unicorn in Gurgaon are higher than finding one of these swapping stations.

Ride and Handling

Riding the Activa E through city streets reveals its agility and user-friendly nature. The telescopic front suspension and 3-step adjustable spring-loaded hydraulic rear suspension effectively absorb road imperfections, providing a comfortable ride. The scooter's lightweight build, with a kerb weight of 118 kg for the Standard variant and 119 kg for the RoadSync Duo variant, ensures easy maneuverability in traffic.

The 12-inch alloy wheels, fitted with tubeless tires (90/90-12 at the front and 110/80-12 at the rear), offer stability and confidence during cornering and braking. The braking system comprises a 160 mm disc at the front and a 130 mm drum at the rear, delivering adequate stopping power for urban riding scenarios.

The Activa E showcases a clean and contemporary design that aligns with its electric identity. The front apron houses an LED headlight, providing clear illumination, while the handlebar cowl features LED daytime running lights (DRLs), enhancing visibility and aesthetics.

The side panels are subtly sculpted with silver accents, and the flush-fitting pillion footrests add to the scooter's sleek profile. At the rear, the LED taillight with a smoked effect adds a touch of sophistication. The Activa E is available in five colors: Pearl Shallow Blue, Pearl Misty White, Pearl Serenity Blue, Matt Foggy Silver Metallic, and Pearl Igneous Black, allowing riders to choose according to their preferences.

Features

Honda has equipped the Activa E with a range of features aimed at enhancing the riding experience. The RoadSync Duo variant boasts a 7-inch TFT display offering navigation, call alerts, and live tracking, while the Standard variant comes with a 5-inch TFT display providing essential ride data. Both displays are designed for clear visibility under various lighting conditions.

The scooter incorporates a keyless system, enabling unlocking and starting with the press of a button when the key fob is nearby. Additionally, the Activa E supports Honda’s connected app, allowing users to monitor battery health, locate swapping stations, track mileage, and perform remote diagnostics, integrating the scooter into the smart mobility ecosystem.

In the burgeoning electric scooter market, the Honda Activa E faces competition from models like the TVS iQube, Bajaj Chetak, and Ampere Magnus EX. We will skip OLA due to their extremely poor service network.

The TVS iQube offers a higher range of 145 km and a comparable top speed, positioning it as a strong contender for those prioritizing longer distances. The Bajaj Chetak, with its retro-inspired design and robust build quality, is the best seller, moving 30,000 units in March 2025.

The Ampere Magnus EX provides an economical option with a range of 120 km, catering to budget-conscious consumers. Each of these models presents unique strengths, and the Activa E distinguishes itself through Honda's brand reliability and the convenience of its battery-swapping infrastructure.

The Honda Activa E represents a significant step in Honda's journey toward electrification, offering a well-rounded package for urban commuters. Its design, feature set, and performance align with the expectations of modern riders seeking sustainable mobility solutions. However, the reliance on a battery-swapping system, while innovative, may pose challenges for users without convenient access to swapping stations.