Honda Activa Electric : The Honda Activa has long been a household name in India, synonymous with reliability and practicality in the scooter segment.
With the growing focus on electric mobility, Honda has finally launched the electric version of its popular scooter, the Honda Activa Electric:.
One of the most critical aspects of any electric vehicle is its range, and the Activa e: promises a substantial one.
This article delves into the range of the Honda Activa Electric: on a single charge, along with its other features, specifications, and how it stacks up against the competition.
Honda Activa Electric Range and Battery
Honda Activa Electric : is equipped with two swappable 1.5 kWh batteries, combining for a total battery capacity of 3 kWh. Honda claims that this setup allows the scooter to achieve a range of 102 km on a single charge.
This range is particularly relevant for urban commuters, as it offers a practical solution for daily travel needs.
Factors Affecting RangeIt’s important to note that the actual range of an electric scooter can vary based on several factors:
- Riding Mode: The Activa e: comes with three riding modes: Standard, Sport, and Econ.
The Econ mode is designed to maximize range by limiting the scooter’s speed and power output, while the Sport mode offers higher performance at the expense of range.
- Riding Conditions: Hilly terrains, stop-and-go traffic, and frequent acceleration can reduce the range.
- Load: Carrying a heavy load or a pillion rider can also impact the range.
- Tire Pressure: Incorrect tire pressure increases rolling resistance, reducing efficiency and range.
- Battery Health: The battery’s age and condition affect its capacity. Over time, the battery’s ability to hold a charge may decrease, reducing the overall range.
Variants and Pricing (Honda Activa Electric)
The Honda Activa e: is available in two variants:
- Activa e: STD: This is the standard variant, priced at Rs 1,17,000 (ex-showroom Delhi)3.
- Activa e: RoadSync Duo: The higher-end variant, equipped with additional features, is priced at Rs 1,51,600 (ex-showroom Delhi).
Features and Specifications (Honda Activa Electric)
The Honda Activa e: comes with a range of modern features and impressive specifications:
- Motor: The electric motor has a rated power output of 4.2 kW (5.6 bhp), with a maximum power output of 6.0 kW (8 bhp). It produces a torque of 22 Nm.
- Performance: The scooter can accelerate from 0 to 60 kmph in 7.3 seconds and has a top speed of 80 kmph.
- Battery: It features two swappable 1.5kWh batteries.
- Range: The claimed range is 102 km on a single charge.
- Chassis: The scooter uses an all-new underbone chassis.
- Suspension: It is equipped with a telescopic fork at the front and a monoshock at the rear.
- Brakes: The Activa e: features a 160mm disc at the front and a 130mm drum at the rear.
- Wheels and Tires: It has a 90/90-12 tire at the front and a 110/80-12-inch tire at the rear, both with alloy wheels.
- Weight: The scooter weighs 118 kg (kerb weight).
- Ground Clearance: It offers a ground clearance of 171mm.
Key Features (Honda Activa Electric)
- Digital Display: The top variant features a 7-inch TFT screen, while the base variant gets a smaller 5-inch TFT screen.
- Connectivity: The TFT screen supports real-time connectivity with the Honda RoadSync Duo app, providing turn-by-turn navigation, music controls, Bluetooth connectivity, and over-the-air updates.
- Riding Modes: It includes three riding modes: Econ, Standard, and Sport.
- Smart Key: The Honda Activa e: comes with Honda’s H-Smart key, which includes features like Smart Find, Smart Safe, Smart Unlock, and Smart Start.
- Charging Socket: It features a 40W USB-C charging socket on the front apron.
- Swappable Batteries: The scooter uses swappable batteries, which can be exchanged at designated battery-swapping stations.
Design and Build
The design of the Activa e: closely resembles the traditional ICE Activa, maintaining its familiar and appealing aesthetics. Key design elements include:
- DRLs: The scooter is equipped with Daytime Running Lights (DRLs).
- Digital Instrument Cluster: A fully digital speedometer and odometer.
- Color Options: The Activa e: is available in five color schemes: Pearl Shallow Blue, Pearl Misty White, Pearl Serenity Blue, Matt Foggy Silver Metallic, and Pearl Igneous Black.
Practicality and Convenience (Honda Activa Electric)
- Swappable Battery Technology: One of the standout features of the Activa e: is its swappable battery
technology.
This allows riders to quickly swap out a depleted battery for a fully charged one at a swapping station, significantly reducing downtime compared to traditional charging methods. - Low Battery Alert: The scooter includes a low battery alert system to notify riders when the battery is running low.
- Reverse Mode: It also gets a reverse mode for added convenience3.
Competition
The Honda Activa e: competes with other electric scooters in the Indian market, such as3:
- TVS iQube
- Ola S1
- Bajaj Chetak
- Ather 450X
- Familiar Design: The design closely resembles the ICE Activa.
- Adequate Range: A claimed 102 km of riding range is suitable for daily commuting.
- Advanced Features: It features a large 7.0-inch TFT with turn-by-turn navigation.
Cons:
- Limited Storage: Under-seat storage is compromised due to the swappable batteries.
- Limited Availability: Initially available only in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru.
- Feature Differences: The base variant lacks some connectivity features3.
User Experience (Honda Activa Electric)
Riding the Honda Activa e: offers a smooth and refined experience, typical of electric scooters. The instant torque delivery ensures quick acceleration, making it ideal for city commuting.
The riding modes allow users to optimize the scooter for either maximum range or performance, depending on their needs.
The digital instrument cluster provides all essential information at a glance, and the connected features enhance the overall riding experience. However, the limited under-seat storage might be a concern for some users.
Potential Improvements (Honda Activa Electric)
- Increased Storage: Optimizing the battery placement to free up more under-seat storage would enhance practicality.
- Expanded Availability: Expanding the availability to more cities and establishing a wider network of battery-swapping stations would improve accessibility.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Including all connectivity features in the base variant would provide a more consistent user experience across the range.
The Honda Activa e: is a significant step towards electric mobility in India, bringing together the trusted Activa brand with modern electric technology.
Its claimed range of 102 km on a single charge makes it a practical choice for urban commuters, and the swappable battery technology adds to its convenience.
While it faces stiff competition from other electric scooters in the market, the Honda Activa Electric : stands out with its familiar design, reliable performance, and a comprehensive set of features.
As Honda expands its availability and infrastructure, the Activa e: is poised to become a key player in the electric scooter segment, offering a compelling alternative to traditional petrol-powered scooters.