Honda had just unveiled the Activa H-Smart model, which comes with cutting-edge hands-free technology and keyless entry like that seen in automobiles. Atsushi Ogata, managing director, and chief executive officer of Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI), revealed the company’s EV plan during the event. As anticipated, an electric version of Honda’s best-selling Activa scooter will be the company’s first electric vehicle (EV) to be made available in India.
Activa Electric to Debut in Jan 2024
Ogata asserts that Activa Electric will debut at the same time the following year, particularly in January 2024. It will be interesting to see if Activa Electric can match the level of popularity of its internal combustion engine-powered counterpart (ICE).
Reliability Over Performance
In contrast to most new releases in the electric two-wheeler market, which are frequently focused on exceeding their closest rivals in terms of range, top speed, performance specs, and so forth, it appears like Activa Electric is adopting an entirely different strategy. Activa Electric intends to emphasize dependability more. Its top speed will be 50 kilometers per hour, which is far lower than the 80 to 100 kilometers per hour current industry standard.
A Transplant Job
The majority of the work at Activa Electric will be transplanting. This would suggest that Honda is planning to take preventative measures in order to avoid any unfavorable effects. Due to the fact that EV technology is still in its infancy, extensive testing is necessary to ensure that everything operates in a secure and efficient manner. Accidents like fires brought on by inappropriate handling will be less likely because the battery arrangement of Activa Electric will be rectified.
Design and Hardware
The Honda Activa Electric will resemble the Honda Activa petrol scooter that is already available in terms of appearance. The Activa Electric will look a lot like the Activa that is already available and is ICE-based. Another option to reduce expenses is to share hardware parts like the suspension and braking system.
Range and Battery
When compared to other models like the Hero Vida V1 Pro, which has a certified range of 165 kilometers, the Activa Electric’s range is probably on the lower end. Honda plans to launch a second electric scooter in the Indian market in addition to the Activa. Utilizing a completely brand-new electric platform will enable this. It will be a well-liked electric vehicle product with features comparable to those of the best-selling electric scooters on the market right now. The second electric scooter manufactured by Honda in India will take the place of Activa Electric and have replaceable batteries. Honda intends to reach its objective of having battery-swapping stations available at the majority of its consumer touchpoints in the nation before it launches its second electric vehicle.
Honda’s EV Progress and Investment
Even while Honda’s development in the field of electric vehicles may appear to be progressing slowly, there are valid reasons for the holdup. They could have easily transported their electric automobiles from China to India, according to Ogata. But that is not the case right now. Honda is dedicated to achieving a high level of localization in India and creating products that are exclusive to that nation. Even often imported parts like battery packs and electric motors are expected to be provided by the local population.
During the fiscal year 2023–2024, Honda will invest a large amount of money in the construction of factories for electric vehicles and related infrastructure. Honda has already built a business in India that will be in charge of making battery packs. Honda will soon enter the electric vehicle industry, but according to Ogata, conventional ICE-powered scooters will still hold the majority of the market. In the not-too-distant future, Honda’s two-wheelers with internal combustion engines (ICE) will generate a sizeable amount of company earnings. With its first electric vehicle, the Activa Electric, it would cater to people with limited running capabilities. For cases involving more frequent use and farther travel, the ICE Activa will continue to be the product of choice.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, the Honda Activa H-Smart model’s new hands-free and keyless features are state-of-the-art, and the company’s EV road map was also revealed during the launch ceremony. India’s first electric vehicle (EV) won’t go on sale until January 2024 and will be an electric version of the popular Activa scooter. The Activa Electric will have a top speed of 50 kilometers per hour and will prioritize dependability above performance. Honda plans to introduce a second electric vehicle (EV) with a replaceable battery pack in the future. The business is working hard to produce electric vehicles that are very localized and to create products that are specifically catered to the Indian market.