Honda’s foray into the electric scooter market with the Activa e: and QC1 has generated significant buzz. Given the legacy of the ICE-powered Activa, expectations were high for Honda’s first electric scooter. But does it live up to the hype? Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what these scooters bring to the table, along with their strengths and drawbacks.
Competition in the EV Scooter Market
The Activa e: and QC1 enter a competitive field, rivaling electric scooters like Ola’s S1 series, Ather Rizta and 450, TVS iQube, Bajaj Chetak, and Hero V2 Vida. With competitive pricing and evolving technology, Honda aims to carve out its share in the growing EV market.
Key Features of Activa e: and QC1
- Activa e: Comes with a 7-inch TFT display, offering navigation support, day/night visibility modes, and handlebar-mounted toggle switches. It also includes Honda’s H-Smart key system with features like remote unlock, smart find, and push-button start. The scooter runs on 12-inch alloy wheels with telescopic front forks and dual rear springs.
- QC1: Features a 5-inch LCD display and a USB Type-C charging port.
Storage – A Major Consideration
- QC1: Offers a generous 26-liter under-seat storage, on par with most ICE scooters.
- Activa e: Falls short in this area as its under-seat space is occupied by dual battery packs, limiting storage options. However, the floorboard remains useful for carrying smaller items.
Range and Performance
- Activa e: Powered by dual 1.5kWh swappable batteries, providing a claimed 102 km range per full charge. It features a 6kW permanent magnet synchronous motor with 22Nm peak torque. Riders can choose from three riding modes—Econ, Standard, and Sport—reaching a top speed of 80 km/h and accelerating from 0-60 km/h in 7.3 seconds.
- QC1: Comes with a fixed 1.5kWh battery pack and an in-wheel motor with two power options—1.2kW and 1.8kW. It offers an 80 km range and a 50 km/h top speed.
Battery and Charging – The Game Changer
One of the biggest drawbacks of the Activa e: is that it exclusively supports battery swapping, meaning users cannot charge the scooter at home. Subscription plans start at ₹1,999 per month (35kWh usage) and ₹3,599 per month (87kWh usage), but exceeding the limit incurs additional charges. Honda has announced plans to establish 500 battery-swapping stations in major cities by 2026, but the effectiveness of this model remains to be seen.
On the other hand, the QC1 features a fixed battery with a dedicated charger, allowing convenient home charging.
Pricing
- Activa e: Starts at ₹1,17,000 (ex-showroom) and ₹1,51,600 for the Honda RoadSync Duo variant, which offers navigation, call control, and swapping station location services.
- QC1: Priced more affordably at ₹90,000 (ex-showroom).
Final Thoughts
While the Activa e: impresses with its smart features and performance, its lack of home charging and under-seat storage could be dealbreakers for some users. Meanwhile, the QC1 provides a more practical, budget-friendly alternative with home-charging convenience, though with a lower speed and range.
As Honda expands its battery-swapping network, the success of the Activa e: will depend on how quickly and efficiently this infrastructure is developed. Until then, the QC1 might be the better pick for those seeking affordability and ease of use.
