Honda Electric Scooter Sales: Activa e’s Swapping Strategy Faces Headwinds

Honda’s venture into the electric scooter segment has seen mixed results, with the Activa e and QC1 models. Analyzing data from the initial six months of sales, Honda produced 11,168 units and sold 5,173. Deliveries began in March 2025. The Activa e features a swappable battery system, catering to personal use, while the QC1, with a fixed battery, is aimed at delivery services and budget-conscious consumers. Sales figures over the first five months show a significant difference: 4,950 units sold, with QC1 accounting for 4,252 units and Activa e only 698. This translates to a dominant 86% market share for the QC1. The Activa e, despite its stylish aesthetics and advanced features, is struggling in the market. Its future hinges on how quickly Honda expands its battery swapping infrastructure. The scooter is offered in two variants: the standard model costs ₹1,17,428 ex-showroom, and the RoadSync Duo costs ₹1,52,028 ex-showroom. It boasts a 102 km range, a top speed of 80 km/h, and acceleration from 0 to 60 km/h in 7.3 seconds. The inability to charge the battery at home, necessitating swapping at stations, presents a major obstacle. The availability of swapping stations is currently limited, primarily in Bangalore, with expansion planned for Delhi and Mumbai. The QC1, priced starting at ₹90,022 ex-showroom, is gaining popularity due to its affordability and the convenience of home charging. It’s positioned as the most affordable Japanese electric scooter in India. It offers a claimed range of 80 km, accelerates from 0 to 40 km/h in 9.4 seconds, and has a top speed of 50 km/h. The QC1 is currently available in Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, and Chandigarh.