Honda Activa e : Honda’s entry into India’s buzzing electric scooter market with the Activa e has stirred up plenty of chatter since its debut.

Launched amid high expectations as the electrified heir to the iconic Activa throne, this two-wheeler promised seamless urban commuting with innovative battery swapping.

Yet, just months in, production has hit a snag, leaving enthusiasts wondering about its future trajectory.

The Grand Unveiling and Launch Buzz

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India pulled the covers off the Activa e at Auto Expo 2025, pricing it starting at Rs 1.17 lakh for the base variant and Rs 1.51 lakh for the top RoadSync Duo trim.

It hit roads in February 2025, initially in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, where Honda’s e:Swap battery stations were rolled out.

The scooter retained the Activa’s familiar silhouette but added electric flair with LED lights front and rear, signaling a fresh, futuristic vibe.

Right from the teaser phase in late 2024, excitement built around its dual swappable batteries and Honda’s global push for 30 EV models by 2030.

This was no side project; it was positioned as the 12th electric commuter in Honda’s lineup, tailored for Indian roads with local manufacturing.

Early bookings kicked off in January 2025, and deliveries promised a new era of hassle-free green rides.

Design and Everyday Appeal

At first glance, the Activa e mirrors the petrol Activa’s beloved proportions—compact, practical, and easy to weave through traffic.

Its underbone frame, 12-inch alloy wheels, and tubeless tires give it a stable stance, with ground clearance at 171mm handling our pothole-ridden streets decently.

The swingarm-mounted PMSM motor keeps weight balanced, making it feel nimble, much like its ICE sibling.

Details shine through: diamond-cut wheel finishes, tight panel gaps, and premium switchgear scream Honda quality.

The squared-off tail and flush pillion pegs add a modern touch without straying too far from family-friendly roots.

Colors pop vibrantly, drawing eyes in crowded parking lots, while the minimalist body hints at its electric soul—no bulky fixed battery here.

Powertrain and Real-World Performance

Under the skin, two 1.5kWh lithium-ion swappable batteries (3kWh total) feed a wheel-side motor churning 4.2kW rated power, peaking at 6kW (8hp) and 22Nm torque.

Honda quotes 102km IDC range, with a top speed of 80kmph and 0-40kmph in about 3 seconds. Three modes—Eco, Standard, Sport—let riders choose between thrift and thrill.

On the road, it transitions smoothly from ICE scooters. Eco mode stretches range for cautious commutes, Standard balances pep and efficiency up to 80kmph, and Sport unleashes quicker pulls that feel fun without drama.

Throttle response mimics petrol smoothness, even at low SOC—I’ve heard riders hit stations with 0% left and still make it.

Braking mixes disc front and drum rear for confident stops, and reverse gear aids tight maneuvers.

Feature-Packed Digital Dashboard

The RoadSync Duo variant steals the show with a crisp 5-7 inch TFT display offering Bluetooth, turn-by-turn navigation, call/SMS alerts, and vehicle stats.

Daylight readability is spot-on, and connectivity feels intuitive for daily use. Base models get essentials like digital speedo, odometer, and low-battery warnings.

Smart touches include USB charging, keyless ignition, topple alert, and a 6GB RAM/32GB ROM setup for snappy apps.

Gradeability hits 13 degrees, fine for slopes, and underseat storage—though limited sans batteries—fits helmets or bags. It’s geared for urbanites who want tech without fuss.

Riding Dynamics: Hits and Misses

Riders rave about its natural handling; it corners predictably with good tire grip. Suspension (telescopic forks, adjustable monoshock) firms up at speed, smoothing bumps better than at crawl.

No engine noise means whisper-quiet rides, ideal for early mornings or dense traffic.

But gripes exist: firm low-speed ride transmits undulations, and boot space suffers from battery design.

Engaging reverse feels fiddly, and real-world range dips below 102km, demanding planning around swap stations. Still, swapping takes minutes, a breeze if infrastructure cooperates.

The Battery Swap Revolution—and Its Catch

Honda’s e:Swap shines on paper: drop drained packs (10kg each) at stations for fresh ones, no home charging needed initially.

Stations in launch cities promised 5km spacing, freeing riders from outlets. Subscriptions started at Rs 2,000/month (40km/day cap) or Rs 3,599 (100km/day), covering maintenance and swaps.

Critics slam the model—subscriptions could exceed Rs 1 lakh over years, eroding EV savings.

No ownership means no equity, and caps frustrate high-mileage users. Home charging rumors hint at fixes, but for now, it’s station-dependent.

Sales Slump and Production Pause

Here’s the curveball: Production halted since August 2025. SIAM data shows just 11,168 units made Feb-July 2025, with only 5,201 sold—740 Activa e, rest QC1 . Unsold stock piled up amid slow uptake.

Blame falls on sparse swap networks, modest range/performance vs rivals like TVS iQube or Bajaj Chetak, and subscription costs.

Activa e stuck to three cities; QC1 reached six. Honda’s reassessing, possibly adding chargers or tweaking plans.

Rival Roundup and Market Pulse

In a crowded EV field, Activa e competes on brand trust but lags in affordability and infra. TVS and Bajaj offer fixed batteries with home charging, broader ranges.

User reviews praise its smoothness for short hops (25km daily), quietness, and low maintenance, but decry costs.

Positive notes: Rain-proof, quick charges, senior-friendly. Detractors eye subscriptions and station hunts. Honda fans stick loyal, eyeing expansions.

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Honda Activa e Looking Ahead Revival or Rethink?

Whispers of home charging and wider rollout could breathe life back. As India pushes EVs, Honda’s engineering prowess positions Activa e well—if pricing and access improve.

Production restart rumors swirl into 2026, potentially with tweaks.

This scooter’s journey reflects EV growing pains: innovation meets infrastructure gaps. For city riders craving Activa reliability in electric form, it’s promising—but demands Honda’s swift fixes.