The Honda Activa has been a well-known name in India, known for its reliability and ease of use in the scooter market.
With the increasing shift towards electric vehicles, Honda has launched the Honda Activa Electric, bringing a trusted name into the EV segment.
One of the most critical aspects of any electric vehicle is its range, and the Activa Electric delivers an impressive performance.
This article explores the range of the Honda Activa Electric on a single charge, its key features, specifications, and how it compares with other electric scooters.
Honda Activa Electric Range and Battery
The Honda Activa Electric comes with two swappable 1.5 kWh batteries, combining for a total battery capacity of 3 kWh.
Honda claims that this setup enables the scooter to cover 102 km on a single charge.
This makes it an excellent option for urban commuters who need a reliable and efficient vehicle for daily travel.
Factors Affecting Range
The actual range of the Honda Activa Electric depends on multiple factors:
- Riding Mode: The scooter has three modes: Standard, Sport, and Econ. Econ mode prioritizes battery efficiency by limiting speed and power, whereas Sport mode focuses on performance at the cost of range.
- Riding Conditions: Hilly roads, stop-and-go traffic, and frequent acceleration can lower the range.
- Load: Carrying extra weight or a pillion rider affects battery performance.
- Tire Pressure: Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, leading to reduced efficiency.
- Battery Health: Over time, the battery’s capacity to hold a charge may decrease, affecting the total range.
Variants and Pricing
The Honda Activa Electric is available in two variants:
| Variant | Price (Ex-showroom, Delhi) |
|---|---|
| Activa Electric STD | Rs 1,17,000 |
| Activa Electric RoadSync Duo | Rs 1,51,600 |
Key Features and Specifications
The Honda Activa Electric is packed with modern technology and practical features:
- Motor: 4.2 kW (5.6 bhp) rated power output, with a peak power of 6.0 kW (8 bhp) and torque of 22 Nm.
- Performance: 0 to 60 kmph in 7.3 seconds with a top speed of 80 kmph.
- Battery: Two swappable 1.5 kWh batteries.
- Range: Claimed range of 102 km per charge.
- Chassis: Features an all-new underbone chassis.
- Suspension: Telescopic fork at the front and monoshock at the rear.
- Brakes: 160mm front disc and 130mm rear drum brakes.
- Wheels and Tires: 90/90-12 front tire and 110/80-12 rear tire with alloy wheels.
- Weight: 118 kg kerb weight.
- Ground Clearance: 171 mm.
Advanced Features
- Digital Display: The top variant comes with a 7-inch TFT screen, while the base variant features a 5-inch TFT display.
- Connectivity: The TFT screen supports the Honda RoadSync Duo app for real-time navigation, music control, Bluetooth connectivity, and over-the-air updates.
- Riding Modes: Three riding modes – Econ, Standard, and Sport.
- Smart Key: Honda’s H-Smart key with Smart Find, Smart Safe, Smart Unlock, and Smart Start.
- Charging Socket: A 40W USB-C charging port on the front apron.
- Swappable Batteries: Allows for easy battery replacement at designated stations.
Design and Build Quality
The Honda Activa Electric maintains the classic look of its petrol counterpart while incorporating new electric scooter elements. Key design highlights include:
- Daytime Running Lights (DRLs): Enhances visibility and safety.
- Digital Instrument Cluster: A fully digital speedometer and odometer.
- Color Variants: Available in Pearl Shallow Blue, Pearl Misty White, Pearl Serenity Blue, Matt Foggy Silver Metallic, and Pearl Igneous Black.
Practicality and Convenience
One of the major highlights of the Honda Activa Electric is its swappable battery system. Instead of waiting for the battery to charge, users can swap a depleted battery with a fully charged one at swapping stations, reducing downtime.
Additional practical features include:
- Low Battery Alert: Notifies riders when the battery level is low.
- Reverse Mode: Allows easy maneuvering in tight spaces.
Competition in the Market
The Honda Activa Electric faces competition from other electric scooters in India, including:
- TVS iQube
- Ola S1
- Bajaj Chetak
- Ather 450X
Pros and Cons of Honda Activa Electric
Pros:
- Familiar Design: Retains the classic look of the Activa.
- Adequate Range: Claimed 102 km per charge is practical for daily commuting.
- Advanced Features: Equipped with a large TFT screen and turn-by-turn navigation.
Cons:
- Limited Storage: Under-seat storage is reduced due to the swappable battery design.
- Availability: Initially limited to cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru.
- Feature Differences: The base variant lacks some advanced connectivity features.
User Experience
Riding the Honda Activa Electric is smooth and efficient, with instant torque ensuring quick acceleration.
The three riding modes allow users to customize their experience for either performance or maximum range.
The digital instrument cluster provides clear and real-time data, while the connectivity features enhance overall usability.
However, the reduced under-seat storage may be a drawback for some riders.
Potential Improvements
To further enhance its appeal, Honda could consider:
- Increased Storage: Reconfiguring battery placement to improve under-seat storage.
- Wider Availability: Expanding to more cities with a larger network of battery-swapping stations.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Offering all connectivity features across both variants.
Final Thoughts
The Honda Activa Electric is a significant step towards eco-friendly mobility in India.
With a claimed range of 102 km per charge, it is a strong option for urban riders.
The swappable battery system enhances convenience, and its trusted brand name gives it an edge over competitors.
While it faces stiff competition in the electric scooter market, the Activa Electric stands out with its reliable performance, familiar design, and user-friendly features.
As Honda expands its network and infrastructure, the Activa Electric is set to become a top choice in the EV scooter segment, offering a smart alternative to petrol-powered two-wheelers.