Honda Activa e is an electric scooter built for Indian cities with an 80 km/h top speed, a connected TFT display on the higher variant, and a dual swappable-battery setup starting at ₹1.17 lakh ex-showroom. It promises a claimed 102 km range, Honda’s e:Swap support in select metros, and familiar Activa ergonomics with modern EV convenience.
Pricing and variants
Honda has launched the Activa e in two variants: Std at ₹1.17 lakh and the RoadSync Duo at ₹1.52 lakh (ex-showroom), positioning it squarely in the mass-market premium EV bracket. The variant strategy mirrors the petrol Activa’s simplicity while adding connected tech on the RoadSync Duo trim for riders who want navigation and app features. A standard 3-year/50,000 km vehicle warranty is included across the range for added peace of mind.
Power and performance
A 6 kW PMSM motor delivers brisk city performance with a 0–60 km/h claim of 7.3 seconds and a top speed of 80 km/h. Peak torque is rated at 22 Nm, and Honda offers three ride modes—Eco, Standard, and Sport—to tune response and efficiency for urban conditions. The swingarm-mounted motor is tuned for smoothness and predictability, keeping everyday commuting stress-free.
Battery and range
The Activa e uses two removable 1.5 kWh batteries (3 kWh total) with a claimed 102 km range on a full swap under standardized conditions. Honda’s official EV page reiterates the key figures—80 km/h top speed and 102 km range—framing the scooter as a practical city runner. The dual-pack architecture also supports quick swaps to minimize downtime during busy days.
Swap network rollout
Activa e relies on Honda Power Pack Energy India’s e:Swap service, starting in Bengaluru from February 2025 and expanding to New Delhi and Mumbai from April 2025. HEID targets a dense footprint with an ambition toward hundreds of swap stations in each city as part of its scale-up plan. This approach removes home-charging from the equation and focuses ownership on access to a reliable swapping grid.
Ownership plans
Honda and partners have introduced subscription-based battery swap plans, including a more affordable “Lite” plan to lower monthly running costs for low-mileage riders. The model decouples vehicle ownership from battery ownership, which can reduce upfront costs while shifting energy costs to predictable subscriptions. Riders should review local swap pricing and station density before purchasing to ensure fit with daily routes.
Display and connectivity
The top RoadSync Duo variant equips a 7-inch TFT with Bluetooth, turn-by-turn navigation, and smartphone-linked features via Honda RoadSync Duo. Honda’s EV page highlights the RoadSync Duo app integration, bringing connected alerts and navigation into the standard Activa-like user experience. The larger screen and app stack make the premium variant the tech-forward choice in this lineup.
Smart key and safety
Honda’s H-Smart key suite adds smart find, smart unlock, smart start, and smart safe functions for a more convenient ownership experience. The scooter also includes reverse assist, roadside assistance, and combined braking system (CBS) for everyday safety. Auto-brightness on the dashboard helps maintain visibility across lighting conditions, adding day-to-day usability.
Suspension and brakes
A telescopic front fork and dual rear shocks aim for ride comfort on rough urban roads while maintaining predictable handling. Braking is handled by a front disc and rear drum setup with CBS for balanced stops. The 12-inch alloy wheels aid stability and confidence at city speeds and on patchy tarmac.
Dimensions and build
Kerb weight stands at 118–119 kg depending on variant, striking a balance between stability and manoeuvrability. Ground clearance is a usable 171 mm, supporting speed breakers and mixed road conditions without undue scraping. The overall footprint stays close to the familiar Activa template, easing the transition for petrol-Activa riders.
Design highlights
Styling draws from the iconic Activa silhouette with a cleaner front apron and EV-specific detailing for a contemporary look. Full-LED lighting and a DRL on the handlebar cowl add premium touches without going overly radical. The result is a scooter that feels familiar yet appropriately modern for an electric era.
Practicality notes
Because the removable packs sit under the seat, underseat storage is limited compared to fixed-battery rivals, which buyers should factor into daily use. Reverse mode, a USB port, and app-led navigation offset some of that compromise for urban convenience. Riders in initial e:Swap cities gain the most from the platform until the network broadens.
Competitors
In India’s mainstream EV field, the Activa e competes with TVS iQube, Bajaj Chetak, Ather Rizta, and select Ola S1 variants. Its differentiator is the swap-first approach from a mass-market brand with deep service reach, rather than maximum spec-sheet performance. Buyers must weigh network access and subscription costs versus the convenience and reduced downtime of swapping.
Availability and warranty
Honda’s initial focus is Bengaluru, followed by Delhi and Mumbai, with broader expansion expected as HEID scales up station density. Standard warranty coverage is 3 years or 50,000 km, with care packages available for extended coverage and services. Dealer rollouts and delivery timelines track alongside e:Swap deployment, so city-by-city availability may vary.
Verdict
For commuters in Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai, the Activa e is a compelling, low-downtime EV backed by Honda’s scaling swap network and two practical variants. Those prioritizing connected tech should consider the RoadSync Duo for the 7-inch TFT and navigation, while budget-focused buyers can start with the Std variant at ₹1.17 lakh. Evaluate local e:Swap station coverage and subscription plans to ensure the model aligns with daily routes and ownership costs before booking.
