Representational
Honda’s new electric scooter for India will be manufactured indigenously and is likely to be launched by the end of 2026
Honda is preparing a new electric scooter for India. It will be made with more local parts, so that its price can be kept low and it can compete with TVS iQube, Bajaj Chetak and Ather Rizta. Honda started the EV journey in India by launching the Activa e: and QC1 electric scooters in February 2025, but due to low sales, the production of both these scooters had to be temporarily stopped after a few months.
Both the Activa e and QC1 were based on Honda’s global models, which were re-engineered for the Indian market. But the upcoming new Honda electric scooter will be a completely local development and will have its own identity. It is being said that Honda wants to overcome the shortcomings faced in Activa e and QC1 through this new scooter.
For information, let us tell you that Honda Activa e is the only electric scooter in the Indian market so far, in which home charging facility was not provided, it is not even available as a temporary option. Customers only had the option of Honda’s battery swapping stations, which are still in their initial stages. In such a situation, only those customers who live near such stations could consider buying Activa e.
honda activa e
Another major drawback of the Activa e was its almost non-existent boot space, as its detachable batteries were mounted under the seat. In comparison, other electric scooters offer 30 to 35 liters of underseat storage. Apart from this, its price was also very high and monthly subscription plans were also expensive, due to which Honda had to cut the prices later.
In the QC1, Honda solved the problem of home charging and boot space to some extent. It was provided with home charging facility and 26 liters of underseat storage. However, its low top speed of 50 km/h, range of only 80 km on a single charge and long charging time of around 7 hours did not appeal to customers. Apart from this, it lacked many modern features and the performance was also weak.
Now it is expected that all these shortcomings will be removed in the new localized Honda electric scooter being prepared for India. It is likely to get modern features like better boot space, good range, less charging time and rival brands. If made in India, the price will also be kept very competitive. This new Honda electric scooter can be launched in India by the end of 2026.
