The top two-wheeler manufacturer in the world, Honda, has announced ambitions to create EV bikes and scooters for both local and foreign markets. The company is researching battery swapping technology and developing new products based on the current ICE assets, which is typical of Japanese corporations that are late to the party.
The e-Activa, which is anticipated to go on sale sometime in 2025, will probably be the first product to be released in its EV version. The most dependable and well-liked scooter in India, the Activa, will soon be electrified. Its batteries should have a range of about 100 kilometers and perform similarly to a 110cc engine. Additionally, Honda Mobile Power Packs—swappable lithium-ion batteries developed through a collaboration between Honda and Panasonic will be utilized as batteries.
Honda Upcoming EV Plans
Thus, anticipate features like turn-by-turn navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and a digital screen when it is available. It will compete against TVS i-Qube, Ola S1, and Ather Rizta when it launches. Company claims that new lithium-ion batteries will be available on the market and that they will be produced in Asia at a lower cost. Additionally, like they have done for ICE vehicles, they wish to maintain their position and devote the years 2026–2030 to global expansion.
The Honda Activa’s electric variant is now ready for release after years of development. At the 64th Annual Convention of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), Tsutsumu Otani, CEO of Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Ltd., declared that the Honda Activa Electric would be on sale in March 2025. This will ultimately place on the map of electric two-wheelers, a path it has not previously taken.
The upcoming Honda Activa Electric will debut on a new platform known as Platform E, featuring a swingarm-mounted motor, as revealed in recent patent drawings. This new scooter aims to cater to the mass market, aligning with strategy for broad appeal. It is expected to come equipped with modern features such as a touchscreen instrument console, Bluetooth connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, hill-hold assist, reverse mode, riding modes, and potentially keyless entry. As a family-friendly scooter, it will also offer ample underseat storage, a front glove box, and convenient storage hooks.