New Honda Activa Is Finally Here!
The Honda QC 1 has been especially designed for India, whereas Honda Activa e has been developed specifically for India and other emerging economies.
Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India has finally entered the Indian electric two wheeler market with two new models, Activa e and QC 1. While Honda Activa e is developed for both the emerging domestic and international markets, the Honda QC1 has been designed specifically for the Indian market.
While these are the first electric models by the brand to India, it just so happens that the Honda Activa E and QC 1 are the 12th and 13th of a global portfolio for Honda. The company is looking forward to launching 30 electric two wheeler models in global markets by 2030. The Honda Activa e and the QC 1 are reported to lead it to meet its long-standing ambition to reach zero-emission on all its products and business operations around 2050. The new 2040s plan sets a carbon neutrality date on its motorcycle range, besides the rest.
The Honda Activa e and QC 1 will be launched in phases from Spring 2025. Bookings for the two models will start from January 1, 2025, and the prices for the two will be announced in January 2025.
The new design of HMSI will resemble two variants very closely. Minimalistic designing language has been adapted on the two wheelers which can be seen in Activa e, wherein Honda wanted to borrow some of that selling attributes from Activa being sold and outsold to others. Honda Activa e features LED combination light and rear as well. Overall design look gives the scooter a stylish glimpse.
Meanwhile, the Honda QC 1 is called an electric moped instead of an electric scooter. It borrows a very similar design of the Honda Activa e; however, it misses some subtle differences there. In the first place, there is no provision for a high-mounted LED DRL like the Activa E version. It again misses that wraparound taillight and some chrome elements given with the Activa E.
The Honda Activa e is a simple underbone frame with a telescopic fork and monoshock suspension setup. It comes in two variants—Standard, weighing 118 kg, and Honda RoadSync Duo, weighing 119 kg. The ground clearance is 171 mm, designed to take typical Indian road conditions. Braking is provided by a 160 mm front disc and a 130 mm rear drum, and it also comes with 12-inch wheels on both sides. Honda QC 1 is accompanied by a telescopic front fork along with dual rear springs. Its braking comprises drum brakes, plus a 12-inch front alloy wheel and a 10-inch rear alloy wheel.
The Activa e comes with a proprietary permanent magnet synchronous motor. The power train gives 8 bhp and 22 Nm of torque as peak output. It covers 0 to 60 kmph in 7.3 seconds and gives a top speed of 80 kmph. Three riding modes of the electric scooter are Econ, Standard, and Sport.
Honda QC1 is fitted with in-wheel electric motor. It has a top power of 2.4 bhp and raises the maximum speed to 50 kmph. This machine consists of two modes of performance and efficiency levels, named Standard and Econ, based upon the requirement of the rider.
Honda Activa e and QC 1: Battery and range
The Activa e has two replaceable batteries with a capacity of 1.5 kWh, providing a cumulative range of 102 km on full charge. Honda also launched the battery-swapping service e:Swap at launch in Bengaluru and Delhi and Mumbai intially.
Whereas, QC1 is provided with a fixed battery pack. Now, another very significant difference of Activa e: that owns a removable battery system. Its 1.5 kWh battery in Activa can produce nearly 80 km for each charge.
The Honda Activa Electric model comes with a 7.0-inch TFT display which automatically monitors the intensity based on time during the day. The brightness of the screen can also be altered through toggle switches on the handlebar. Furthermore, smart keys are another feature within this electric scooter, consisting of in-built features such as Smart Find, Smart Safe, Smart Unlock, and Smart Start. Further, connectivity features are covered by the Top model with application Honda RoadSync Duo along with real time navigation.
Whereas, the Honda QC1 features a 5.0-inch LCD and USB Type-C charging port and 26 liters of under-seat storage.
How does the activa e compare to other electric scooters like the Ola electric S1?
Honda Activa Electric and Ola Electric S1 differ considerably in specifications and features:
-Power and Performance: The Activa Electric will provide a peak power of 6.11 hp, whereas the Ola S1 offers a power of up to 11 hp, so the Ola will be more quick in its performance.
Range: The Activa Electric is said to have a reported range of 104km, whereas the Ola S1 is available in several versions with ranges varying from 85km, up to 195 km depending upon the battery option.
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-Features: The Ola S1 has a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and multiple riding modes, whereas the Activa is focused on traditional features such as keyless operation and silent start.
-Pricing: The Activa is generally more reasonably priced, starting at a price of ₹76,684, while the base variant of the Ola S1 starts at ₹1.35 lakh.
Overall, even though the Activa is reliable and has a very large service network, the Ola S1 is quite technologically advanced and does much better performance for a daily commute.
What are the key benefits of OLA S1 AIR compared to ACTIVA E?
-Several positive points of the Honda Activa Electric in comparison with Ola S1 Air
-Performance: The S1 Air has a peak power of 6 kW (about 8 hp) compared to Activa’s lower output, with a top speed of 85 km/h against Activa’s 80 km/h.
-Range: S1 Air has a claimed range of 151 km, which is more than Activa’s 102 km on a single charge, hence more suitable for longer commutes .
Charge time-Now, the S1 Air, it will take nearly about 4.5 hours, whereas the Activa has taken more than the overall time to get properly charge in.
-Technology & Features: the connectivity features in S1 air are provided with 7-Inch TFT display feature for getting more comfort as opposed by the setup in actva.
In short words, what makes Ola shine within S1 Air includes high-end performance, range as well as technological developments.
#What are the major differences that differentiate between Ola S1 AIR and ACTIVA E.?
The key features that distinguish Ola S1 Air from Honda Activa Electric are:.
Power and Performance The S1 Air puts out about 4.5 kW or some 6 hp at peak; the Activa Electric peaks about 6.11 hp. But the S1 Air will reach a top speed of 90 km/h, just a bit over the Activa’s top speed of 80 km/h.
-Range: Ola claims S1 Air to go a range of 151km, much more compared to the Activa giving out 102km to each charge.
-Technology: The S1 Air is very much of a cutting-edge vehicle. It had all features from a high-definition 7-inch display TFT to Bluetooth connectivity navigation to OTA updates. Far, far better than just some very basic Activa.
-Charge time: the S1 Air charges for 4.5 hours making it an electric scooter competitor. There was no specific charging time for Activa but typically, more than 12 hours are needed.
These are the factors which make the Ola S1 air a high-technology choice for the user for daily commutes within the urban areas.
#What is the difference between the experiences of users when using Ola S1 Air and Activa e?
User experiences with the Ola S1 Air and Honda Activa Electric are largely different:
-Performance: Users in general appreciate Ola S1 Air with decent performance and acceleration. For instance, they believe that it takes the traffic of cities quite effortlessly, although some complain about the throttle calibration issues – sometimes it is jerky.
-Comfort and Ride Quality: Users often comment on how comfortable this Activa Electric is in its ride and the smoother engine, which is thus good for longer trips. Ola S1 Air users love how light, easy to maneuver it makes the bike feel but, less stable at higher speeds.
-Features and Technology: Ola S1 Air has features such as a modern feature of TFT display and connectivity with the smartphone. The user likes this because of such technology advancement; Activa lacks this kind of feature.
-Service and Maintenance: The service and maintenance by Ola are satisfactory for most of its customers, and this is better compared to traditional petrol scooters such as Activa.
On the whole, even though Ola S1 Air is liked for its performance and features, Activa Electric wins over at comfort and reliability.
#What common problems are faced by the users with Ola S1 Air and Activa e?
The common problems that the Ola S1 Air users are facing and the Honda Activa Electric are:
#Ola S1 Air
-Battery degradation: users have experienced loss of capacity in the last 10% of the charge that affects the entire range and performance.
-Software bugs: frequent software errors force the user to shut down the scooter often; screens not responding during rainy or extremely hot weather.
-Service issues: many are complaining about long waiting periods for service while others receive poor customer services.
-Quality Construction: It rattles the parts and doesn’t absorb shock as well, and seat discomfort for taller riders is often complained about.
*Honda Activa Electric
-Performance Issues: Underwhelming power output of Activa compared to competitors reduces its ability to accelerate and climb up hills
-Feature Limitation: Compared to newer models like the Ola, the Activa misses the advanced tech features leading to a relatively more mundane riding experience.
-Service Availability: Although usually trustworthy, some users have cited delayed service appointments and lack of parts availability because of the high demand .
Both scooters are strong but have challenges affecting user satisfaction.
#How do the maintenance costs of Ola S1 Air compare with the Activa e?
The maintenance costs of the Ola S1 Air and the Honda Activa Electric vary significantly:
-Ola S1 Air: The running cost is roughly at ₹0.13 per km as its electricity costs about ₹5.5 per unit. Its overall maintenance is mostly lesser as it has lesser moving parts and no time bound oil change or fuel spending happens. It is provided for three years or 40,000 km with warranty for the battery up to three years without kilometre limitation.
– Honda Activa Electric: A normal running cost is not outlined but, compared to other ordinary running costs of a fuel petal scooter like Activa is relatively more expensive and tends to be high-priced over regular servicing. Activa does require more predictable service charges, but higher running expenses over time are assured by the electric variants.
In summary, the Ola S1 Air has running and maintenance costs that are low in the long run as compared to the Activa Electric.
#Are there any additional costs for charging the Ola S1 Air at home?
There are a few additional costs incurred while charging the Ola S1 Air at home:
-Installation Charge: In case you require an Ola service executive to install a home charger for you, that will be anywhere between ₹2,000 to ₹3,000.
-Electricity Costs: that again depends upon the locality but full charging of the Ola S1 Air has been reportedly charged anywhere between ₹7 to ₹27 per charge depending upon the local electricity charges and consumption.
Thus, the installation cost might be incurred as a one-time expenditure in the initial stage. It is relatively lower as an ongoing electricity cost compared with the use of traditional fuels.