Honda Activa e Review 2025: Price, Range, Features & Specs

The iconic Honda Activa has been a household name in India for decades, synonymous with reliability, ease of use, and urban practicality. As the electric mobility revolution gains pace, Honda has stepped into the arena with the Honda Activa e, one of the first electric iterations of this trusted brand. Combining Honda’s legacy with modern electric powertrain technology, the Activa e is designed to appeal primarily to commuters looking for a clean, quiet, and economical mode of transport.

Priced between Rs 1.17 Lakh and Rs 1.52 Lakh, the Activa e boasts striking features like swappable batteries, a familiar design, and smart digital technology. This article presents an expert, in-depth review covering design, specifications, performance, features, and how it compares with electric competitors.

Table of Contents

Design and Build Quality

Honda has opted for a minimalistic yet contemporary design approach. The Activa e retains the classic Activa silhouette, making it instantly recognizable and appealing to long-time loyalists. Some notable design tweaks:

Exterior Styling: Sleek LED headlamps, integrated LED DRLs, and sharp blue accent lines emphasize its electric identity without diverging drastically from the conventional Activa.
Colours: Available in attractive shades such as Pearl Igneous Black, Pearl Misty White, Matt Foggy Silver Metallic, Pearl Shallow Blue, and Pearl Serenity Blue.
Build: Honda’s hallmark build quality is evident with strong panel fitment, sturdy steel frame, and well-finished body parts. The scooter feels durable and capable of withstanding Indian road conditions.

The compact dimensions and lightweight kerb weight (118 kg) make it easy to maneuver, particularly in cramped urban environments.

Key Features and Technology

Though simple in essence, the Activa e integrates features catering to modern user expectations:

Battery System: Two swappable lithium-ion batteries, each 1.5 kWh, combine to provide a total capacity of 3 kWh.
Display: A vibrant 5-inch TFT digital instrument cluster conveys speed, battery status, trip details, and includes turn-by-turn navigation on select variants.
Keyless Ignition: Enhancing convenience, the scooter features smart key access and remote start.
USB Charging Port: Allows riders to charge mobile devices on the go.
Reverse Mode: Unique and handy for tight parking, it operates at a slow 3 km/h speed for added maneuverability.
Connected App: Available with the RoadSync Duo variant, offering notifications such as low battery alerts and maintenance reminders.
Lighting: Full LED lighting setup including headlamp, tail lamp, DRLs, and indicators ensure safety and style.
Safety: Equipped with Combined Braking System (CBS), side stand cut-off, and robust suspension.

These features illustrate Honda’s balance of tradition and technology in its electric offering.

Performance and Range

The Activa e is designed for urban use with an emphasis on smooth riding and sufficient range:

Motor Specs: A 6 kW Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor delivering 22 Nm of torque powers the scooter.
Speed: Top speed is capped at 80 km/h, sufficient for daily city commuting and occasional highway stretches.
Acceleration: The scooter accelerates from 0 to 60 km/h in approximately 7.3 seconds.
Range: ARAI-certified range is 102 km per charge, with real-world range varying based on riding conditions and modes (Eco, Standard, Sport).
Battery Swap: Facilitates extended rides without long charging downtimes, available at Honda’s dedicated swapping stations.
Charging Time: Fully charging the batteries takes about 4-5 hours at designated stations.

The responsive motor coupled with multiple ride modes ensures a versatile riding experience adapting to traffic and road conditions.

Ride Comfort and Handling

Honda has tuned the Activa e for comfort and ease:

Riding Ergonomics: Upright seating position with a wide seat, ideal for both rider and pillion comfort.
Suspension: Front telescopic forks and rear 3-step adjustable hydraulic suspension smooth out city road irregularities.
Brakes: Disc brake upfront and drum brake rear, coupled with CBS, deliver reliable stopping power.
Tires: Tubeless 12-inch alloys offer good grip and stability across surfaces.
Weight: A manageable kerb weight of 118 kg makes the scooter nimble for urban traffic.

Ownership Experience and Cost

Honda Activa e owners benefit from:

Battery Subscription Plans: Multiple packages including a Lite 40 km/day plan and a 100 km/day plan, offering flexibility but adding monthly costs.
Roadside Assistance: Complimentary assistance increases peace of mind for urban users.
Reliability: Honda’s trusted aftersales network enhances servicing ease and parts availability.
Maintenance: Electric drivetrain requires minimal routine upkeep, reducing overall costs.
Running Cost: Significantly cheaper than internal combustion scooters, with electric charging costs a fraction of petrol expenses.

Though battery subscription may add to monthly expenses, the environmental and urban benefits are considerable.

Comparison with Competitors

The Activa e competes in an increasingly crowded market:

Model	Price Range (Rs)	Range (km)	Motor Power (kW)	Special Feature
Honda Activa e	1.17 – 1.52 Lakh	102	6	Swappable batteries, Reliable
TVS iQube	94,434 – 1.31 Lakh	94	4.4	High tech, excellent ride
Bajaj Chetak	1.07 – 1.40 Lakh	127	4.0	Premium build, fast charging
Ola S1 Pro	1.35 – 1.60 Lakh	176	11	Longest range, advanced tech
Ather 450X	1.50 – 1.80 Lakh	126	6.4	Smart display, rapid charging

The Activa e appeals to those valuing brand trust and traditional styling paired with modern EV benefits.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Trusted Honda design and build quality.
Swappable battery system enhances convenience.
Up to 102 km range suitable for urban commuting.
Strong safety features and smart connectivity options.
Comfortable ride with good ergonomics.

Cons

Battery subscription costs add to total ownership expense.
Limited initial availability in select cities.
Base variant lacks advanced connectivity.
Acceleration and top speed moderate compared to some rivals.

Conclusion

The Honda Activa e marks a significant milestone in India’s EV journey, bringing electric mobility into the mainstream with a familiar brand name and practical features. While it does not lead in performance or range, it excels in reliability, convenience, and rider comfort making it an excellent electric scooter for city dwellers, students, and delivery professionals.

Cost-conscious buyers should carefully evaluate battery subscription plans against their daily travel habits, but the overall package holds strong appeal, promising a smooth transition from petrol to electric for millions of loyal Activa users.