Honda is developing a new electric scooter for India
What's the story
Honda is said to be working on a new electric scooter specifically designed for the Indian market. The company's previous attempts at entering the EV segment with Activa e: and QC1 models have not been very successful. Now, Honda is looking to make a comeback in this growing market by offering a more localized and competitively priced electric scooter.
Past performance
Previous EV models and their challenges
Honda's first foray into the Indian EV market was with the Activa e: and QC1. These models were based on global versions but modified for India. The Activa e: is India's only scooter with a factory-backed battery-swapping network. However, its high price, subscription costs, and limited boot space due to under-seat battery placement have made it less appealing to consumers.
Model review
QC1 model's features and limitations
The QC1 model addressed some of the Activa e:'s shortcomings with a 26-liter boot and home charging capability. However, it still lagged behind mainstream EVs with a top speed of just 50km/h and an 80km claimed IDC range. A full charge on this scooter takes almost seven hours, making it less efficient than other electric scooters in the market.
Upcoming model
Honda's new electric scooter: What to expect
The upcoming Honda electric scooter is expected to offer a spacious boot, competitive range, and a good feature set. The company is looking to heavily localize this model in order to keep the price competitive. However, there is no word on when this new e-scooter will be launched or what its specifications would be. More details are likely to emerge as the launch date approaches.