Honda’s venture into the electric two-wheeler market with its Activa e and QC1 scooters has shown varied success. From February to July 2025, the company manufactured 11,168 units, with sales reaching 5,173. Deliveries began in March 2025.
The Activa e, designed for personal use, features a swappable battery system. Meanwhile, the QC1, with a fixed battery, is aimed at gig workers and affordable urban environments. The initial five months saw the QC1 dominating sales with 4,252 units compared to just 698 Activa e units, meaning 86% of sales were QC1.
The Activa e’s stylish design and advanced features have not translated into robust sales. The primary reason is the requirement for battery swapping, as the battery cannot be charged at home. It boasts a claimed range of 102 km and a top speed of 80 km/h and accelerates to 60 km/h in 7.3 seconds, at a price of ₹1,17,428 (standard) and ₹1,52,028 (RoadSync Duo). The limited availability of swapping stations, with over 80 in Bengaluru and recent additions in Delhi and Mumbai, poses a challenge.
In contrast, the QC1 is becoming popular due to its affordability and home-charging capability, with prices starting at ₹90,022. It offers an 80 km range. It reaches a top speed of 50 km/h and accelerates to 40 km/h in 9.4 seconds. It is available in several major Indian cities.