Honda Acitva EV: In a daring reimagination of India’s favourite scooter, Honda has taken the wraps off the Activa EV – an electric-powered interpretation of the nation’s most popular two-wheeler that’s already making inroads among the style-conscious denizens of urban India.
The original Activa has always been revered for its reliability and utilitarian nature, but with the electric version, there’s a level of stylish sophistication and technology that’s making it a product for techno savvy scooter users compared to the original crowd who bought it to buy reliability over style.
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Honda Acitva EV Its Design Evolution: From utilitarian to urban chic
The Activa EV maintains the well recognised shape of its internal combustion forerunner, which made an instant impression and advances the lines with thoughful design upgrades.
Flowing lines in the front apron add to the sleeker appearance of the car, which is further enhanced by LED daytime running lights with their own distinctive light signature.
The rear end of the Santa Fe brings an innovative design element to SUVs, with rich, eye-catching design elements and a rear spoiler, which alerts drivers to the high level of design detail that go into the new model.
In what can be a first for the category, the Activa EV can be had in six stunning colors including the Cosmic Teal and the Aurora Pink that not only adds a bit of colour but spice too.
With color-matched seats and contrast stitching and special edition graphics, buyers can customize their ride to reflect their own style.
“We took a fashion-focused and forward-thinking approach to the design of the Activa EV,” says Akira Watanabe, Design Lead, Honda R&D.
“What we wanted to do was develop a scooter that works as an accessory of style while trying to keep that practicality that made the original Activa so popular.
Connecting the Dots for the Smartphone-Generation54195
Honda Acitva EV Realizing that connectivity is as important for today’s young urban rider, as mobility, the Activa EV comes with a built-in digital ecosystem anchored by a 5.5-inch full-color TFT display.
This waterproof display shows you vital information such as speed, battery level and range estimation and is also compatible with Bluetooth integration with your smart phone.
Riders can also access navigation, music and call control, as well as other useful vehicle information while on the road via a companion Honda RideConnect app.
It also comes with remote monitoring charging status, location tracking service and customization riding modes for various preferences on power.
There are other tech-forward elements in play here as well, like the ability to keylessly operate from a proximity fob or smart phone, USB chargers for devices and LED lighting throughout.
The under-seat storage includes a special compartment with convenient and safe mounting options for smartphones, so riders do not have to worry about their device running out of power or losing it which would normally happen in their pocket or handlebar-mounted device.
Powertrain: Where Performance and Efficiency Meet
Powering the Activa EV is a 3.5 kW (peak) electric motor that provides 11 Nm of instant torque – more than the petrol variant. Which gives it a sprightly zero-to-anything that makes it a great little city machine.
Rated as having a 110 kilometer range under ideal conditions, in reality most customers will see anywhere from 85 to 95 kms of range depending on how and where the bike is ridden.
For the average urban commuter, this means between three and four days of average use before the battery needs to be plugged in again.
Honda has designed the powertrain to offer a choice of three riding modes – Eco, Standard, and Sport – enabling the rider to choose between maximum efficiency or peak performance, to match their style and riding environment. Deceleration energy is captured by the regenerative braking system to increase range while also offering smooth and controlled stopping.
Honda Acitva EV Smart Design Features for Everyday Use
And as well as good looks and high tech, the Activa EV is packed with practical touches to make ownership a pleasure. Flat floorboard offers ample space for the rider’s feet and between them for bags, etc.
The under‑seat storage-optimized to accommodate a half‑helmet plus a few more small items and an in‑front storage lets you access storage with the push of a button. A front basket accessory is available for even more carrying power without sacrificing a bit of style.
Most impressive though is Honda’s ensured the Activa’s legendary reliability has not been lost in the switch to electric power. The battery pack boasts of an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, and the motor and the controller are protected from environmental elements to make you ride in any weather without any hassle.
The Possession Experience: It’s Not Only a Fan!
Understanding and acknowledging the need for a complete ownership ecosystem for electric vehicles in addition to the vehicle, Honda has designed a complete ecosystem for Activa EV customers.
This will include a portable charger that operates with existing standard home outlets (with a full charge taking around 5.5 hours) and access to Honda’s rapidly growing network of fast-charging stations, which provide an 80% charge in 40 minutes.
The scooter also receives an 8-year/50000 km warranty on the battery pack -allaying one of the key concerns of a potential EV buyer and a 3-year unlimited kilometer warranty on the scooter. Its servicing is hugely simplified compared to the petrol model, with major maintenance occuring just once every 6,000km.
Market Positioning and Appeal
Honda Acitva EV Standing at a low price point of between ₹85,000-95,000 (ex-showroom, after applicable subsidies), the Activa EV is an attractive proposition for those looking at an electric two-wheeler that is both attainable and aspirational, and brings with it more than just its electric credentials to the value argument.
This is difficult to justify when you consider that premium prices for the 15-20% over equivalent petrol model, although Honda is confident that there the additional cost is offset by lower running costs and an improved specification.
Although the marketing for the scooter admits that it would appeal to riders of all ages, Honda has been pushing the bike to younger, more environmentally-aware of gridsters who care about looking good and riding responsibly.
The campaign showcases how the Activa EV is a natural fit in the lives of fashion-forward riders, whose modes of transportation are an extension of their personal style.
Honda Acitva EV The new Beginning: An iconic nameplate honor bound to the end.
The Activa EV would stand as an example of Honda realising that the electric technology needs faster to reach to the mainstream that electric can offer more than just being a greener alternative.
The Activa DNA is married to modern design, integrated with smart features, offers practicality and is also appealing to the fashion sense of riders regardless of gender.”
The Activa EV is testament to the fact that legacy makers can move their cherished products from internal combustion to electric in a manner that adds rather than subtracts from the product’s fundamental appeal.
(kg) 110 (±3.5) Features for a new generation With a quality Fit and Finnish, Honda Activa EV not only provides modern sleek looks but also makes a meaningful contribution towards the environment, with power performance and practicality of 36 months warranty & 15,000 Km extended warranty, the durable battery, runs 40-50 km, the all Digital Console, with fine ergonomics and two difference color options to choose with affordability.
