The iconic Activa name goes electric and Honda isn’t playing it safe. Instead of following the usual home-charging route that most electric scooters take, they’ve gone with something completely different – swappable batteries. Think of it like changing your phone’s battery, but for your scooter.
If you’ve been waiting for Honda to enter the electric game seriously, the Activa e might just be what you’re looking for. It’s not your typical electric scooter though, and that’s exactly what makes it interesting.
Design and First Impressions
The Activa e looks nothing like its petrol sibling. Honda has given it a futuristic look while keeping things simple and clean. The LED headlight sits neatly on the front apron, while the handlebars get their own LED daytime running lights. It’s minimalistic without being boring and you can choose from five colors including Pearl Serenity Blue and Pearl Igneous Black.
What really catches your eye is how different it feels from the traditional Activa. This isn’t just a petrol scooter with a battery stuffed in – it’s been designed from scratch to be electric.
The Game-Changer: Swappable Batteries
Here’s where things get really interesting. The Activa e uses two 1.5kWh Honda Mobile Power Pack batteries that you can’t charge at home. Instead, you ride to a Honda swapping station, pop out the old batteries and slide in fresh ones. The whole process takes just a few minutes.
Pros:
- No waiting hours for charging
- Always get fresh, well-maintained batteries
- No battery degradation worries
- Quick 3-5 minute swaps
Cons:
- You’ll need to find swapping stations (Honda is building them rapidly)
- Running costs are higher than home charging
- Limited to Honda’s network
ALSO READ: TVS iQube Electric Scooter Under Rs 1.5 Lakh, With 212 km Range
Performance That Delivers
With a 6kW motor producing 22Nm of torque, the Activa e isn’t slow. It’ll hit 80kmph comfortably and can go from 0-60kmph in 7.3 seconds. The claimed range of 102km should easily handle your daily commute with room to spare.
You get three riding modes:* Eco: For long rides
- Standard: For daily use
- Sport: When you need it
Tech That Matters
The standard variant gets a 5-inch TFT display which is clear and easy to read. But if you opt for the RoadSync Duo variant, you get a 7-inch screen with proper smartphone connectivity.
Features:
- Turn-by-turn navigation
- Call and SMS notifications
- Music controls
- Live vehicle tracking
- Smart unlock and start
The reverse mode is super useful for tight parking spots, something you’ll appreciate in city traffic.
Riding Experience
Honda has kept the Activa DNA alive in how this scooter rides. The suspension with telescopic forks up front and adjustable rear springs absorbs bumps well. At 118kg, it’s not the lightest electric scooter around but it feels stable and confidence inspiring.
The 22 liter under seat storage is decent though not as spacious as some competitors due to the battery setup. You do get additional storage pockets with a USB-C charging port.
Honda Activa e Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Motor | 6kW PMSM |
| Torque | 22 Nm |
| Top Speed | 80 kmph |
| Range | 102 km |
| Battery | 3kWh (2 x 1.5kWh swappable) |
| 0-60 kmph | 7.3 seconds |
| Weight | 118-119 kg |
| Storage | 22 liters |
| Price | Rs 1.17 – 1.52 lakh |
| Warranty | 3 years/50,000 km |
Pricing and Variants
Honda offers the Activa e in two variants:
- Standard: Rs 1.17 lakh with basic 5-inch display
- RoadSync Duo: Rs 1.52 lakh with advanced connectivity
Remember, these are ex-showroom prices and don’t include the battery subscription costs which can add around Rs 28,000 annually for moderate usage.
The Reality Check
The swappable battery system is innovative but it comes with trade-offs. Your running costs will be similar to a petrol scooter and you’re tied to Honda’s swapping network. Currently available in major cities like Bengaluru, Delhi and Mumbai with expansion planned.
If you’re someone who wants the convenience of never waiting for charging and doesn’t mind the subscription model, this could work well. But if you prefer the economics of home charging, traditional electric scooters might suit you better.
Final Verdict
The Honda Activa e is a bold experiment that deserves credit for trying something different. It solves real problems like charging anxiety and battery degradation but creates new ones around cost and infrastructure dependence.
It’s perfect for urban commuters who value convenience over cost savings and are willing to adapt to Honda’s ecosystem. The build quality feels solid, the performance is adequate and the tech features are genuinely useful.
If you like the idea of never charging and are willing to pay for it, go for it. Check if Honda has swapping stations in your city though.
