Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has announced its entry into the electric two-wheeler market, unveiling two scooter models, the Activa e and QC1. These models were presented, though their pricing remains undisclosed. The Activa e features swappable battery technology, while the QC1 comes with a fixed battery setup. Both scooters are built on a scalable platform and will be manufactured at HMSI's Narasapura plant in Karnataka, with an initial production target of 1 lakh units in the first year. Bookings for these models will open in January 2025, with deliveries starting in February.

Electric two-wheeler penetration in India is currently around 6%. From January to October 2024, the segment saw over 9.54 lakh units sold, marking a 30% year-on-year growth. HMSI’s scooters will compete with established brands like Ola Electric, TVS Motor, and Bajaj Auto. HMSI plans to maintain a competitive pricing strategy without relying on government subsidies, aiming to attract urban users and car owners seeking a secondary vehicle for short commutes.

The Activa e is powered by two swappable 1.5kWh Honda Mobile Power Pack e batteries, offering a claimed range of 102 km on a full charge. Users will subscribe to a battery-as-a-service (BaaS) model, as the scooter does not come with home charging options. It includes three riding modes—Econ, Standard, and Sport—but offers limited boot space. HMSI acknowledged its delayed entry into the EV market but noted that the segment remains in its early stages, making it a strategic time for investment. The company emphasised its commitment to building a comprehensive EV ecosystem and leveraging its brand trust to address existing customer pain points.

Currently, HMSI has no plans to export these models, citing the need for region-specific designs. Globally, Honda aims to launch 30 electric models by 2030, targeting 4 million electric two-wheeler sales. Some of these models may enter the Indian market, tailored to local consumer preferences.

While HMSI does not plan to venture into electric motorcycles in India due to market challenges, it views the Activa e as a stepping stone toward solidifying its position in the rapidly growing Indian EV sector.